Mark Wood, the veteran England fast bowler, is optimistic on his fitness. He’s preparing to face the visiting Australian side in the widely expected opening Test of the five-match Ashes series, due to start on November 21 in Perth. The 35-year-old has not played since England’s defeat to Afghanistan at the Champions Trophy last February. He was later sidelined with a left knee injury that required surgery in March.
Wood last played Test cricket a year ago, against Sri Lanka. It’s been a long road for him ever since, where he’s had to overcome plenty of adversity and really fight to find his game again. He missed all of 2023 after getting rocked by an elbow injury in August of 2022. He has not made his game presence felt for an unusually long time. This year, during the Champions Trophy and a tour of India, Wood made a comeback but struggled with his knee injury, which proved frustrating at times.
Now back on the Ashes radar, Wood has been hard at work in England’s fitness on their training camp as he stepped up efforts to return to Test action. Even when he’s met with roadblocks, he shared that his journey of advancement has been very encouraging.
“I got knocked back a couple of times, but in the tent it’s been going well. I’ve had the speed gun out and the pace is getting up there,” – Mark Wood.
Coach David Saker, now the England bowling coach, has been recalled as a consultant for this winter’s Ashes. He remained with Kenya and played a critical role in the team’s last win in Australia. Right before the first Test, Tim Southee will be there helping out as a bowling consultant. Their collective experience is bent towards improving England’s fortunes. The aim is to get their first Test series whitewash in Australia since winning 3-0 back at the 2010-2011 series.
Looking back on his fitness journey, Wood said his road to recovery hasn’t been that cut and dry.
“I didn’t get to play any cricket and my knee, at times when you think that you’re just about ready to play, it was not just quite there,” – Mark Wood.
However, such challenges have not dented Wood’s resolve as he looks ahead to the Ashes opener with the same ambition. He is looking to impress and prove his selection during the practice games and net sessions leading up to the series.
“Hopefully, I’m in form, bowling well in the practice games and in the nets, and can put my hand up for that game,” – Mark Wood.
He would rather not oversell his preparedness. Despite the challenges the future may hold, he is optimistic about his health today.
“I never want to give an answer where I say, ‘Yes, I’m pumped, I’m ready’. I’m in a confident place at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I’m quietly confident,” – Mark Wood.
With the countdown to the Ashes series starting to tick down, Wood’s condition will be key for England. The home team will be looking to recapture their once dominant form on Australian soil with the tide having flipped recently. They consider him to be the lynchpin of their bowling attack. With both experienced coaching support and his own resilience, Wood aims to contribute significantly to what promises to be a thrilling contest.
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