English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Quiet Confidence for Ashes First Test
The bowler has not played a Test 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.
The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan last winter and had an operation for a knee issue this spring.
The Champions Trophy and India series which came before marked his comeback after an elbow problem that had kept him out since August 2024.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any matches and my knee, at times, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it was not just quite there."
"I faced setbacks 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 opener of the Ashes begins November 21st at Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series in Australia in over a decade.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well in the practice games and in the nets, and can put my hand up for the first Test," Wood continued, whose last Test outing was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago.
"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 toward the match."
"I avoid making statements claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, 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 over the fitness of players has resulted in player Cameron Green making way for 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.
"Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series having experienced low-grade side soreness during recent practice," the cricket board stated.
"He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the Ashes."
Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins October 28th.
