England's Paceman Mark Wood Expresses Quiet Confidence for Ashes Opener
Wood has been absent from Test cricket since August 2024.
England's fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" of being fit for the opening match of the Ashes series in Australia.
The cricketer has been sidelined since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery on a left knee injury this spring.
The Champions Trophy and India series that preceded it marked his comeback after an elbow problem which sidelined him for many months.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any matches and my knee sometimes, when you think that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I faced setbacks a couple of times, but during the training camp progress has been positive. I've had the speed gun out and my speed is increasing."
The opener of the series begins November 21st in Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series on Australian soil since 2010-2011.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, 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 over a year back.
"My recovery wasn't a straight curve, it's been a bit up and down, but now I'm in a better place and hope to push forward toward the match."
"I never want to give an answer claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident."
Australian Injury Worries
Meanwhile, worries for Australia regarding the health of squad members has resulted in player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, which starts on Sunday.
The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.
"Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series having experienced mild side discomfort during recent practice," the cricket board stated.
"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the Ashes."
The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start October 28th.
