🔗 Share this article

The English fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry down under.

Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery on a left knee injury in March.

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

"It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any matches and my knee, at times, when you think that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."

"I faced setbacks a couple of times, but in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. I've had the speed gun out and my speed is increasing."

The opener of the Ashes starts on 21 November in Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win in Australia since 2010-2011.

"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, who last played a Test versus 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 for that game."

"I never want to give an answer where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australia's Fitness Concerns

Meanwhile, Australia's concerns over the fitness of players has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, which starts on Sunday.

Australia already have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.

"Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series having experienced low-grade side soreness during recent practice," Cricket Australia said.

"Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the Ashes."

Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start on 28 October.