English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Quiet Confidence for Ashes Opener
The bowler has been absent from Test cricket for over a year.
England's pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" of being fit for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry down under.
Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat against 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.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee sometimes, when you think I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there."
"I faced setbacks on several occasions, but in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. 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 first Test series on Australian soil since 2010-2011.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can put my hand up for the first Test," Wood continued, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka over a year back.
"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 for that game."
"I avoid making statements 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 cautiously hopeful."
Australia's Injury Worries
At the same time, worries for Australia regarding the health of players has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, beginning this weekend.
Australia already have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since July because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.
"Green is unavailable for the India series after suffering low-grade side soreness during recent practice," Cricket Australia said.
"He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return to play in round three of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the series."
Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins on 28 October.
