England's Fast Bowler Mark Wood Expresses Quiet Confidence for Ashes First Test
The bowler has been absent from Test cricket since August 2024.
England's fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" of being fit for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry down under.
Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery for a knee issue in March.
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.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee sometimes, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it was not just quite there."
"I got knocked back on several occasions, but in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. I've had the speed gun out and my speed is increasing."
The first match of the series 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, delivering effectively in the practice games and in net sessions, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka over a year back.
"The rehab hasn't just been a straight curve, it's been a bit up and down, but now I'm in a better place where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match."
"I avoid making statements claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australia's Fitness Concerns
Meanwhile, Australia's concerns over the fitness of squad members have led to all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, which starts on Sunday.
Australia already have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July due to a back injury affecting his spine.
"Green is unavailable of the [India] series having experienced mild side discomfort at training this week," Cricket Australia said.
"He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is expected to be back to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the series."
Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start on 28 October.
