England's Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Quiet Confidence for The Ashes Series First Test
Wood has not played a Test since August 2024.
England's fast bowler 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 following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan in February and had an operation on a left knee injury in March.
That tournament and tour of India which came before was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury that had kept him out for many months.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee, at times, when you think that you're just about ready, it was not just quite there."
"I got knocked back a couple of times, but during the training camp progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."
The first match of the Ashes begins November 21st in Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win on Australian soil since 2010-2011.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can make my case for the first Test," added Wood, whose last Test outing versus 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 where i'm hoping to kick on for that game."
"I avoid making statements where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australian Injury Worries
Meanwhile, Australia's concerns regarding the health of players has resulted in player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, beginning this weekend.
Australia already have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress in his back.
"Green is unavailable for the India series having experienced mild side discomfort at training this week," the cricket board stated.
"He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is expected to be back for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the Ashes."
Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins October 28th.
