English Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Quiet Confidence for The Ashes Series First Test
The bowler has not played a Test for over a year.
England's fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" about his fitness for the first Test of the Ashes series down under.
The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan in February and had an operation for a knee issue in March.
The Champions Trophy and India series which came before was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem that had kept him out since August 2024.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any matches and my knee sometimes, when you think that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I faced setbacks on several occasions, 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 series begins November 21st in Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win in Australia since 2010-2011.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well during warm-up matches and in net sessions, and can make my case for the first Test," Wood continued, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago.
"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 and hope to push forward for that game."
"I avoid making statements where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I feel assured currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australian Injury Worries
Meanwhile, worries for Australia regarding the health of players have led to all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, which starts on Sunday.
The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since July because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.
"Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series after suffering mild side discomfort at training this week," Cricket Australia said.
"He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the series."
The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins on 28 October.
