English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Quiet Confidence for Ashes First Test
The bowler has been absent from Test cricket since August 2024.
The English fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" about his fitness for the opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry down under.
The cricketer has been sidelined since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery on a left knee injury in March.
The Champions Trophy and India series which came before marked his comeback after an elbow problem which sidelined him since August 2024.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any matches and my knee, at times, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there."
"I got knocked back on several occasions, but in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and the pace is getting up there."
The opener of the series starts on 21 November in Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win on Australian soil in over a decade.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, whose last Test outing was against Sri Lanka over a year back.
"My recovery wasn't a smooth process, 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 never want to give an answer claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I feel assured at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australia's Fitness Concerns
Meanwhile, Australia's concerns over the fitness of players has resulted in player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, which starts on Sunday.
The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of captain 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 mild side discomfort during recent practice," Cricket Australia said.
"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the Ashes."
The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins on 28 October.
