English Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Quiet Confidence for The Ashes Series First Test
Wood has not played a Test for over a year.
England's fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" about his fitness for the first Test of the Ashes series in Australia.
Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery on a left knee injury this spring.
That tournament and tour of India which came before marked his comeback after an elbow problem that had kept him out since August 2024.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee sometimes, when you think I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I faced setbacks a couple of times, but during the training camp it's been going well. We've used the radar gun and the pace is getting up there."
The first match of the Ashes starts on 21 November 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, who last played a Test was against 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 where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match."
"I avoid making statements claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I feel assured at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australian 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 ODI series with India, which starts on Sunday.
The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress in his back.
"Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series having experienced mild side discomfort at training this week," Cricket Australia said.
"Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the series."
Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins October 28th.
