England's Fast Bowler Mark Wood Expresses Quiet Confidence for Ashes First Test
The bowler has not played a Test since August 2024.
England's fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" of being fit for the opening match of the Ashes series down under.
Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan last winter and had an operation for a knee issue in March.
That tournament and India series that preceded it marked his comeback from an elbow injury which sidelined him for many months.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee sometimes, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there."
"I got knocked back a couple of times, but in the tent [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 in Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series on Australian soil in over a decade.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, delivering effectively in the practice games and in the nets, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, whose last Test outing was against Sri Lanka over a year back.
"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 and hope to push forward toward the match."
"I avoid making statements where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I feel assured currently and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australia's Fitness Concerns
At the same time, worries for Australia regarding the health of squad members have led to all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, which starts on Sunday.
Australia already have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since July due to a back injury in his back.
"Green is unavailable for the India series having experienced low-grade side soreness at training this week," the cricket board stated.
"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the series."
The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start October 28th.
