England's Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Quiet Confidence for Ashes First Test
The bowler has been absent from Test cricket for over a year.
England's fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" about his fitness for the opening match of the Ashes series in Australia.
The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan last winter and had an operation on a left knee injury in March.
That tournament and India series which came before marked his comeback from an elbow injury that had kept him out since August 2024.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee sometimes, when you think I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there."
"I faced setbacks on several occasions, but during the 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 seeking victory in their initial series win on Australian soil since 2010-2011.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well in the practice games and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for the first Test," Wood continued, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka over a year back.
"My recovery wasn't a smooth process, it had its ups and downs, but now I'm in a better place and hope to push forward toward the match."
"I avoid making statements where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australia's Fitness Concerns
At the same time, Australia's concerns over the fitness of squad members has resulted in player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, beginning this weekend.
The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since July because of lumbar bone stress in his back.
"Green is unavailable of the [India] series having experienced mild side discomfort during recent practice," Cricket Australia said.
"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return to play in round three of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the Ashes."
Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins on 28 October.
