England's Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Quiet Confidence for The Ashes Series First Test
The bowler has not played a Test since August 2024.
The English pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" about his fitness for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia.
The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery for a knee issue in March.
The Champions Trophy and India series that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return 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, at times, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I faced setbacks on several occasions, but in the tent [training camp] it's been going well. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."
The first match of the series begins November 21st in Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win in Australia since 2010-2011.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well in the practice games and in the nets, and can make my case for the first Test," Wood continued, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka over a year back.
"The rehab hasn't just been 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 never want to give an answer claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."
Australia's Injury Worries
Meanwhile, Australia's concerns regarding the health of squad members has resulted in player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, beginning this weekend.
The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.
"Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series having experienced mild side discomfort at training this week," Cricket Australia said.
"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return to play in round three of domestic cricket to further prepare for the series."
The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start on 28 October.
