England's Paceman Mark Wood Expresses Quiet Confidence for The Ashes Series Opener
The bowler has been absent from Test cricket since August 2024.
England's pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" of being fit for the opening match of the Ashes series down under.
Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery on a left knee injury this spring.
That tournament and tour of India which came before marked his comeback after an elbow problem which sidelined him for many months.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee, at times, when you think I was nearly fit, 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 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 in over a decade.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well in the practice games and in the nets, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, whose last Test outing was against Sri Lanka over a year back.
"My recovery wasn't a smooth process, it's been a bit up and down, but now I'm in a better place where i'm hoping to kick on for that game."
"I never want to give an answer where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."
Australian Fitness Concerns
At the same time, worries for Australia regarding the health of players have led to all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, which starts on Sunday.
The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year due to a back injury affecting his spine.
"Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series having experienced mild side discomfort during recent practice," the cricket board stated.
"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is expected to be back to play in round three of domestic cricket to further prepare for the series."
The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins on 28 October.
