England's Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Quiet Confidence for Ashes First Test
The bowler has been absent from Test cricket since August 2024.
England's pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" of being fit for the opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia.
Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan in February and had an operation for a knee issue this spring.
That tournament and India series which came before was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury which sidelined him since August 2024.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee, at times, when you think I was nearly fit, 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 my speed is increasing."
The first match of the series begins November 21st at Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series in Australia in over a decade.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively in the practice games and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for the first Test," added Wood, 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 where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match."
"I avoid making statements claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I feel assured at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australia's Injury Worries
Meanwhile, worries for Australia over the fitness of squad members has resulted in player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, beginning this weekend.
Australia already have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since July because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.
"Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series after suffering mild side discomfort at training this week," Cricket Australia said.
"He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the series."
Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins on 28 October.
