English Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Quiet Confidence for The Ashes Series First Test
The bowler has not played a Test for over a year.
The English fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" of being fit for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia.
Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery for a knee issue this spring.
The Champions Trophy and tour of India that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury that had kept him out since August 2024.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee, at times, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I got knocked back a couple of times, but in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."
The opener of the series starts on 21 November in Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win on Australian soil in over a decade.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in net sessions, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, whose last Test outing was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago.
"My recovery wasn't a smooth process, it had its ups and downs, 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'm in a confident place currently and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."
Australian Fitness Concerns
Meanwhile, worries for Australia over the fitness of players has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, which starts on Sunday.
Australia already have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year due to a back injury affecting his spine.
"Green is unavailable of the [India] series having experienced mild side discomfort at training this week," the cricket board stated.
"He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the series."
The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins October 28th.