England's Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Quiet Confidence for The Ashes Series Opener
The bowler has not played a Test for over a year.
The English pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" of being fit for the opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia.
The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery on a left knee injury this spring.
That tournament and India series which came before was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem which sidelined him since August 2024.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee sometimes, when you think I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I faced setbacks a couple of times, but in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and the pace is getting up there."
The first match of the Ashes begins November 21st in Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win on Australian soil since 2010-2011.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can make my case for the first Test," 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 now I'm in a better place 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'. I'm in a confident place currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australia's Fitness Concerns
Meanwhile, worries for Australia over the fitness of players has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, beginning this weekend.
The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year due to a back injury in his back.
"Green is unavailable of the [India] series after suffering low-grade side soreness during recent practice," the cricket board stated.
"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the Ashes."
Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins October 28th.
