England's Paceman Mark Wood Expresses Quiet Confidence for The Ashes Series First Test
Wood has been absent from Test cricket for over a year.
England's pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" of being fit for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry down under.
The cricketer has been sidelined since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan in February and had an operation for a knee issue this spring.
That tournament and tour of India that preceded it marked his comeback after an elbow problem which sidelined him since August 2024.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any matches and my knee, at times, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there."
"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 my speed is increasing."
The opener of the series begins November 21st in Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win in Australia since 2010-2011.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well in the practice games and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, who last played a Test was against 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 and hope to push forward for that game."
"I avoid making statements claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place currently and feeling a lot more positive, 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 doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July because of lumbar bone stress in his back.
"Green is unavailable of the [India] series after suffering low-grade side soreness at training this week," the cricket board stated.
"Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the Ashes."
Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins October 28th.
