Mark Wood celebrates with teammates (gettyimages) England fast bowler Mark Wood, who has been sidelined since the Champions Trophy with a knee injury, has described his off-season as a “frustrating summer” as he prepares for the upcoming 2025 Ashes series against Australia. The 35-year-old pacer, who was England’s leading wicket-taker in the 2021-22 Ashes and won the Man of the Match award at Headingley in 2023, is now focusing on his recovery and return to competitive cricket.The 2025-26 Ashes series is set to begin on November 21 at Optus Stadium in Perth, with the opening Test running until November 25.The second Test, which will be a day-night match, will be played at The Gabba in Brisbane from December 4-8.Adelaide Oval will host the third Test from December 17-21, followed by the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 25-29.The series will conclude with the fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, scheduled for January 4-8.Speaking about his recovery and preparations, Wood shared his experience on the Wisden Cricket Weekly podcast: “It’s been a frustrating summer. I haven’t been able to play any cricket and the knee, at times when you think you’re just ready to play, it’s not quite there. I crashed a couple of times but it went up in the tent and it was going so well that I picked it up.” to build nicely into New Zealand first and then the Australian leg.”Wood expressed cautious optimism about his return to the court, stating: “Hopefully I’m fit, I’m playing well in the practice games and at the nets and I can put my hand up for that match (in Perth). The rehab hasn’t just been a straight curve. It’s been a bit up and down, but now I’m in a good position where hopefully I can give that match an answer where I want to kick.” I’m pumped, I’m ready’ I’m in a confident place right now and I’m feeling a lot more positive, so I’m quietly confident.”The fast bowler’s return to fitness will be crucial to England’s chances in the series considering his previous performances against Australia, particularly his impressive performance at Headingley in 2023.Wood is currently focused on picking up his pace during training sessions, with the New Zealand series before the Australian tour his immediate target.
