Archive · 8 Nov 2025
Mark Wood Ready for Ashes Despite Knee Rehab and Fewer Warm-ups
England's fast bowler Mark Wood is getting ready for the big cricket games called the Ashes against Australia.
He had a knee injury and spent six months doing rehab, which he found very boring.
Now, he's getting back into bowling faster, but he admits he's not quite at his full strength yet.
Mark says Australia will probably be the better team because they are playing at home.
However, the England team feels they have a quiet confidence and can still do well.
England hasn't won in Australia for a long time, but Mark is happy with how they've prepared, even with fewer practice games.
He wants to feel fresh for the first game, which starts on November 21 in Perth.
England pacer Mark Wood believes Australia will be favorites in the Ashes series but feels a 'quiet confidence' within the England camp.
Wood has been sidelined for 15 months from Test cricket due to a knee injury sustained in February.
He describes his six-month rehabilitation as 'boring' but is gradually increasing his bowling intensity.
Wood is content with England's preparation, drawing parallels to a successful strategy in India despite fewer warm-up games.
The first Ashes Test is scheduled to begin on November 21 in Perth.
- Who
- England pacer Mark Wood
- What
- Discussing his fitness, rehabilitation, and the team's outlook ahead of the Ashes series against Australia.
- When
- Ahead of the Ashes series beginning November 21.
- Where
- In the context of the upcoming Ashes series in Australia.
- Why
- To provide insights into his personal readiness and the team's mindset and strategy for the series.
England's Approach
Australia's Position
Fitness and Preparation
England's Approach
Mark Wood admits he's not at 100% fitness after a knee injury and a six-month 'boring' rehab. He's increasing intensity gradually and is content with the team's preparation, drawing parallels to a successful approach in India despite limited warm-up games.
Australia's Position
Australia are the favourites for the series. Josh Hazlewood feels he is in the best physical shape in a long time and emphasizes the team's experience and unity.
Team Outlook
England's Approach
Despite being underdogs and having a long run of losses in Australia, England has a 'quiet confidence' they can perform well.
Australia's Position
Australia has dominated the Ashes at home since 2015 and will be looking to defend their title as favorites.
- Series
- The Ashes
- England Player
- Mark Wood
- England's Last Win in Australia
- 2010-11
- First Test Venue
- Optus Stadium, Perth
- First Test Date
- November 21
- Wood's Injury
- Knee injury sustained during Champions Trophy in February
- Wood's Absence from Tests
- 15 months
Sources
Shastri tells England to make early inroads to win Ashes
I feel in best shape I've been in long time, says Hazlewood ahead of Ashes opener
Australia favourites for Ashes but theres a 'quiet confidence' within England camp: Wood
Ashes: Josh Hazlewood ready for England challenge despite ageing squad, says 'we've learned a lot'
