England's Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Quiet Confidence for Ashes Opener
The bowler has been absent from Test cricket since August 2024.
England's pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" about his fitness for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia.
Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan in February and had an operation on a left knee injury this spring.
The Champions Trophy and tour of India that preceded it marked his comeback from an elbow injury that had kept him out since August 2024.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee sometimes, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I got knocked back on several occasions, but during the training camp it's been going well. I've had the speed gun out and the pace is getting up there."
The first match of the series starts on 21 November at Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win on Australian soil since 2010-2011.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, delivering effectively in the practice games 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.
"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 for that game."
"I never want to give an answer claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I feel assured currently and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australia's Fitness Concerns
Meanwhile, worries for Australia regarding the health of squad members have led to all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, beginning this weekend.
The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.
"Green is unavailable for the India series having experienced mild side discomfort at training this week," the cricket board stated.
"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 the Sheffield Shield tournament begins on 28 October.
