Mark Wood “Quietly Confident” of Full Fitness Ahead of Ashes 2025 in Australia
England pacer Mark Wood says he is “quietly confident” about regaining full fitness in time for the first Ashes Test in Australia, set to begin on 21 November in Perth. The 35-year-old has been sidelined for months following a left knee injury that required surgery in March, but he now believes his recovery is on track.
Wood, known for his express pace and fiery spells, has not featured for England since a Champions Trophy defeat to Afghanistan in February. That match marked his return from an earlier elbow injury, which had already kept him out of international action since August 2024.
Speaking on the Wisden Cricket Weekly Podcast, Wood opened up about the struggles of returning to top form after a series of setbacks.
“It was a frustrating summer,” Wood said. “I didn’t get to play any cricket, and just when I thought I was close to being ready, my knee wouldn’t quite hold up. I got knocked back a couple of times, but things are improving now. The pace is coming back nicely, and I’m feeling positive again.”
Road to Recovery: “The Pace is Getting Up There”
After months of rehabilitation and strength training, Wood has returned to bowling at near full speed during England’s pre-Ashes camp. The right-arm quick revealed that he’s been testing himself under match-like conditions with the speed gun showing encouraging numbers.
“The rehab hasn’t been a straight line—it’s been full of ups and downs,” Wood admitted. “But now I’m in a good place. Hopefully, I’ll be bowling well in the practice games and putting my hand up for that first Test.”
Wood emphasized that while he’s optimistic, he prefers to stay grounded.
“I never want to say I’m 100% ready because injuries can be unpredictable. But I’m in a confident place right now. Quietly confident, you could say.”
If selected, the Ashes in Australia would mark Wood’s first Test appearance since facing Sri Lanka over a year ago. His return would provide a major boost for England’s pace attack, which relies on his raw speed to unsettle batters on fast Australian pitches.
England Aiming to End 14-Year Ashes Drought
The upcoming Ashes series carries significant weight for England. The team has not won a Test series in Australia since 2010–11, when Andrew Strauss’s side famously lifted the urn. Since then, England have endured heavy defeats Down Under, struggling to cope with Australian pace and bounce.
Under captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum, the team’s aggressive “Bazball” approach has redefined England’s red-ball cricket. With the return of senior fast bowlers like Wood, Ollie Robinson, and James Anderson, England hope to mount a serious challenge on Australian soil.
David Saker Returns as Bowling Coach
In preparation for the high-stakes tour, England have brought back David Saker as bowling coach and consultant. The 59-year-old Australian has a rich history with the England setup—he was part of the coaching team during their 2010–11 Ashes triumph in Australia and the 2013 home series victory, where England won 3–0.
Saker later worked with the Australian national team from 2016 to 2019, helping them reclaim the Ashes 4–0 in 2017–18. After rejoining England in 2023, he’s now set to play a crucial role in preparing the bowlers for the five-Test campaign.
He will oversee the entire Ashes tour, collaborating closely with Tim Southee, who was appointed England’s bowling consultant in May. Southee, the New Zealand fast bowler, will join the squad for the build-up and first Test before departing for commitments in the International League T20 in the UAE, starting 2 December.
Meanwhile, assistant coach Paul Collingwood will not travel to Australia. The former England all-rounder, responsible for fielding and team dynamics, has opted out for personal reasons after missing the summer assignments.
Australia’s Fitness Woes: Green and Cummins Under Watch
While England focus on fine-tuning their lineup, Australia have been grappling with their own injury setbacks. Star all-rounder Cameron Green has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match ODI series against India due to side soreness, raising questions about his readiness for the Ashes.
Cricket Australia confirmed Green’s exclusion, saying:
“Cameron Green has been ruled out of the India series after experiencing low-grade side soreness during training this week. He will undergo a brief rehabilitation period and is expected to return for Round 3 of the Sheffield Shield.”
That Sheffield Shield round is scheduled to begin on 28 October, giving Green limited time to prove his fitness before the first Test.
Adding to Australia’s concerns is captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since July due to stress fractures in his back. The pace spearhead remains a central figure in Australia’s plans, but medical staff are taking a cautious approach to his workload.
High Stakes and High Hopes for Perth Opener
With both teams managing injury concerns, the build-up to the 21 November Ashes opener in Perth is already filled with anticipation. England’s camp is buzzing with optimism over Wood’s potential return, while Saker’s reunion with the squad adds an extra layer of experience to the bowling department.
England are expected to field a blend of youth and experience, combining the aggression of their “Bazball” philosophy with the technical discipline needed in Australian conditions.
If Wood can consistently bowl above 90 mph, his partnership with Jofra Archer—who is also eyeing a comeback—could be decisive in unsettling Australia’s top order.
Mark Wood: The Comeback Mindset
Despite multiple injuries over the past two years, Wood’s resilience has earned admiration from teammates and fans alike. Known for his humor and humility, he remains one of England’s most committed performers.
“I’ve had setbacks before, but I always believe in hard work and patience,” Wood reflected. “Right now, I’m in a positive space. I just want to get back out there, help the team, and do my bit to win the Ashes.”
A Confident but Cautious Approach
As England’s fast-bowling unit ramps up training in the Australian heat, Wood’s measured confidence offers hope for a squad determined to rewrite history.
Whether he makes the playing XI or not, the Durham pacer’s return to fitness is a huge boost for England’s morale. If his body holds up and his rhythm continues improving, Mark Wood could once again be the X-factor England need to bring the Ashes urn home after 14 years.