England's Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Quiet Confidence for The Ashes Series First Test
Wood has been absent from Test cricket since August 2024.
The English pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" of being fit for the opening match of the Ashes series in Australia.
The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan in February and had an operation for a knee issue this spring.
The Champions Trophy and India series that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury that had kept him out for many months.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee sometimes, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I got knocked back on several occasions, but during the training camp it's been going well. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."
The first match of the Ashes begins November 21st in Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win on Australian soil since 2010-2011.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can make my case for the first Test," Wood continued, whose last Test outing was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago.
"The rehab hasn't just been a smooth process, it's been a bit up and down, but I'm in a good position now where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match."
"I never want to give an answer where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I feel assured at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."
Australian Injury Worries
At the same time, worries for Australia over the fitness of squad members has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, beginning this weekend.
Australia already have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year due to a back injury in his back.
"Green is unavailable of the [India] series having experienced mild side discomfort at training this week," Cricket Australia said.
"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return to play in round three of domestic cricket to further prepare for the series."
The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start on 28 October.