English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Expresses Quiet Confidence for Ashes First Test
The bowler has not played a Test since August 2024.
The English pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" of being fit for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia.
The cricketer has been sidelined since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan in February and had an operation on a left knee injury in March.
The Champions Trophy and tour of India that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem that had kept him out since August 2024.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee, at times, when you think that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I faced setbacks a couple of times, 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 Ashes 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, bowling well in the practice games and in the nets, and can put my hand up for the first Test," added Wood, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago.
"The rehab hasn't just been a straight curve, it had its ups and downs, but I'm in a good position now where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match."
"I avoid making statements claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australia's Fitness Concerns
Meanwhile, worries for Australia regarding the health of squad members have led to player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, which starts on Sunday.
The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since July because of lumbar bone stress in his back.
"Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series after suffering mild side discomfort at training this week," the cricket board stated.
"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the series."
The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins on 28 October.
