England's Fast Bowler Mark Wood Expresses Quiet Confidence for Ashes First Test
Wood has been absent from Test cricket since August 2024.
England's pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" about his fitness for the opening match of the Ashes series down under.
The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery on a left knee injury this spring.
The Champions Trophy and India series that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury that had kept him out since August 2024.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee, at times, when you think I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I faced setbacks on several occasions, but in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. I've had the speed gun out and the pace is getting up there."
The opener of the Ashes starts on 21 November at Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series on Australian soil since 2010-2011.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well in the practice games and in the nets, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, whose last Test outing was against Sri Lanka over a year back.
"The rehab hasn't just been a smooth process, it had its ups and downs, but I'm in a good position now where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match."
"I never want to give an answer claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australian Injury Worries
At the same time, Australia's concerns regarding the health of squad members have led to all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, which starts on Sunday.
Australia already have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.
"Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series after suffering mild side discomfort at training this week," Cricket Australia said.
"Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back to play in round three of domestic cricket to further prepare for the series."
The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start October 28th.
