England's Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Quiet Confidence for The Ashes Series Opener
Wood has been absent from Test cricket since August 2024.
England's fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" of being fit for the first Test of the Ashes series in Australia.
The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery for a knee issue in March.
That tournament and tour of India which came before 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 sometimes, when you think I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there."
"I faced setbacks a couple of times, but during the training camp progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."
The first match of the series starts on 21 November at Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win on Australian soil since 2010-2011.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well during warm-up matches and in net sessions, and can make my case for the first Test," added Wood, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago.
"My recovery wasn't a smooth process, it's been a bit up and down, but now I'm in a better place and hope to push forward for that game."
"I never want to give an answer where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place currently and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australia's Injury Worries
At the same time, worries for Australia regarding the health of squad members has resulted in player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, beginning this weekend.
The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July due to a back injury in his back.
"Green is unavailable for the India series after suffering low-grade side soreness during recent practice," the cricket board stated.
"He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the series."
Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start on 28 October.
