England's Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Quiet Confidence for Ashes First Test
The bowler has not played a Test since August 2024.
England's fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" about his fitness for the opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry down under.
Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan in February and had an operation on a left knee injury in March.
That tournament and tour of India which came before marked his comeback after an elbow problem which sidelined him since August 2024.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee, at times, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."
"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 first match of the series begins November 21st at Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win on Australian soil in over a decade.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well in the practice games and in net sessions, and can make my case for the first Test," added Wood, whose last Test outing was against Sri Lanka over a year back.
"The rehab hasn't just been a straight curve, it had its ups and downs, but I'm in a good position now and hope to push forward for that game."
"I never want to give an answer claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I feel assured currently and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."
Australian Fitness Concerns
Meanwhile, worries for Australia regarding the health of squad members have led to player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, beginning this weekend.
The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since July due to a back injury affecting his spine.
"Green is unavailable of the [India] series having experienced mild side discomfort during recent practice," the cricket board stated.
"He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the series."
Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins on 28 October.
