England's Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Quiet Confidence for The Ashes Series Opener

England's fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry down under.

The cricketer has been sidelined since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan in February and had an operation for a knee issue this spring.

That tournament and tour of India which came before marked his comeback after an elbow problem which sidelined him since August 2024.

"The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee sometimes, when you think that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."

"I faced setbacks a couple of times, but during the training camp progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and the pace is getting up there."

The first match of the Ashes begins November 21st in Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series on Australian soil since 2010-2011.

"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well during warm-up matches and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka over a year back.

"The rehab hasn't just been a smooth process, it's been a bit up and down, but I'm in a good position now where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match."

"I avoid making statements where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I feel assured currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australia's Injury Worries

At the same time, worries for Australia regarding the health of squad members has resulted in player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, beginning this weekend.

The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July because of lumbar bone stress in his back.

"Green is unavailable of the [India] series having experienced mild side discomfort at training this week," the cricket board stated.

"Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return to play in round three of domestic cricket to further prepare for the Ashes."

The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins October 28th.