England's Fast Bowler Mark Wood Expresses Quiet Confidence for Ashes First Test
The bowler has been absent from Test cricket since August 2024.
The English pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "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 against Afghanistan last winter and had an operation for a knee issue this spring.
The Champions Trophy and tour of India which came before marked his comeback from an elbow injury 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 wasn't fully recovered."
"I got knocked back 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 first match of the Ashes begins November 21st in Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series on Australian soil since 2010-2011.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, delivering effectively in the practice games and in the nets, and can put my hand up for the first Test," added Wood, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago.
"My recovery wasn't a straight curve, it had its ups and downs, 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 set'. I feel assured at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australian Injury Worries
Meanwhile, Australia's concerns regarding the health of squad members has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, beginning this weekend.
The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year due to a back injury in his back.
"Green is unavailable for the India series after suffering mild side discomfort at training this week," Cricket Australia said.
"He will undergo 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 Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins October 28th.
