Win Projections to be updated soon
London, 18 October 2025:
England fast bowler Mark Wood says he is “quietly confident” of being fit in time for the opening Test of the Ashes series in Australia next month.
Wood, 35, has been sidelined since February’s Champions Trophy defeat to Afghanistan and underwent surgery on his left knee in March. The tournament and the preceding tour of India marked his comeback from an elbow injury that had ruled him out since August 2024.
“It was a frustrating summer,” Wood told the Wisden Cricket Weekly podcast. “I didn’t get to play any cricket and my knee, at times when I thought I was just about ready to play, wasn’t quite there. I got knocked back a couple of times, but in the training camp it’s been going well. I’ve had the speed gun out and the pace is getting up there.”
England begin the Ashes on November 21 in Perth, aiming for their first Test series win in Australia since 2010-11. Wood, whose last Test appearance came against Sri Lanka 14 months ago, hopes to be in contention.
“Hopefully I’m in form, bowling well in the practice games and in the nets, and can put my hand up for that game,” he said. “The rehab hasn’t been a straight curve — it’s been up and down — but I’m in a good position now and hoping to kick on. I never want to 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.”
Meanwhile, England have reappointed David Saker as bowling coach for the Ashes. The 59-year-old was in the same role when England last won in Australia in 2010-11 and during their 3-0 home triumph in 2013. Saker later worked with Australia’s fast bowlers between 2016 and 2019, helping them reclaim the urn with a 4-0 victory in the 2017-18 series, before returning to England’s setup in 2023.
Saker will oversee preparations and remain with the team throughout the five-Test series. Bowling consultant Tim Southee, the New Zealand seamer appointed in May, will assist during the build-up and first Test before heading to the UAE for the International League T20 starting December 2.
Assistant coach Paul Collingwood, responsible mainly for fielding, will not travel with the squad due to personal reasons and was absent from the coaching group during the summer as well.
