Rocketman Mark Wood confident of liftoff before Ashes opener

The big quick hasn’t bowled a ball in anger since February at the Champions Trophy due to a persistent knee niggle and the England Cricket Board’s propensity for an abundance of caution. Twice, he’s been set for a comeback and twice, excessive fluid buildup has thwarted the plan.

Wood was supposed to run out in the final Test against India, then his return was postponed to Durham's County Championship. But alas.

"You keep thinking, 'I'm nearly there' and you're just about to press the trigger to play," he told the Wisden Cricket Weekly podcast this week.

"The fifth Test against India, I was so close, and then when I was at my top speed, my knee swelled up so I had to have it drained.

"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."

Now, Wood will link up with the England squad for the white ball tour of New Zealand as part of his rehabilitation, though he won't play.

"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.

"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."

The 2025 Ashes gets underway in Perth on 21 November.