Mark Wood Optimistic About Fitness Ahead of Ashes Series Start

The star pacer of England, Mark Wood, is currently in a rehab mode after getting knee surgery. He hasn’t played for the entire English summer. However, he is now confident to feature in the upcoming Ashes series this December. 

No doubt, Mark Wood is the key player of England’s test pace attack. His availability in the Ashes will boost the chances of England that is touring Australia without Anderson and Broad for the first time. The fast and bouncy pitches of Australia will definitely suit the bowling style of Wood, who is known to deliver fast, speedy spells.

Mark Wood is expected to arrive in New Zealand next week, where he will work on his rehabilitation. He is unlikely to feature in any match so that his preparation for the Ashes can go smoothly. The pacer currently thinks that he is in a “good position” to restore his fitness, but the final call will be made before the start of the series.

"It was a frustrating summer. I didn't get to play any cricket, and my knee, at times when you think that you're just about ready to play, was not just quite there,” said Mark Wood.

The pacer said that he is working constantly to regain his pace in the nets and is confident that he will reach the required mark very soon. He is looking to get fit to travel to New Zealand first, and then head to Australia for the Ashes.

"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, so I'm building nicely into New Zealand first, and then the Australian leg,” said Mark Wood.

He said the rehab phase isn’t as easy as it looks, but, by bowling well in practice games and in the nets, he could put his hand up for the upcoming Ashes Test in Perth.

"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well in the practice games and in the nets, and can put my hand up for that game [in Perth]. The rehab hasn't just been a straight curve. 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,” said Mark Wood.

When asked about whether he is sure to get the full fitness back before the first test, the pacer said that he can’t give any answer with complete certainty. However, based on how the current training is progressing, he is confident that the results could be positive before the first Test.

"I never want to give an answer where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. But I'm in a confident place at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident," said Mark Wood.

He further mentioned that he was close to playing a game for Durham recently, but then his knee showed slight swelling. Following that, the team management advised him to rest immediately, as they could not afford to risk his fitness any further.

"Then again, at the back end of the year with Durham, I was so close to playing a game, but again, I just kept getting this slight swelling. The ECB, with what was coming up, were like, 'Look, it's a risk we don't need to take.' Thankfully, the last few times I've bowled, there hasn't been that swelling there. It's much more positive," said Mark Wood.

The Ashes test series between Australia and England is slated to start from November 21. Mark Wood is currently racing against time to regain his fitness, as his availability for the England pace attack is considered very crucial.