English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Expresses Quiet Confidence for The Ashes Series Opener
The bowler has been absent from Test cricket since August 2024.
The English pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" of being fit for the opening match of the Ashes series down under.
The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan in February and had an operation for a knee issue this spring.
That tournament and India series that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury that had kept him out for many months.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee sometimes, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it was not just quite there."
"I got knocked back a couple of times, but in the tent [training camp] it's been going well. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."
The opener of the Ashes begins November 21st at Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win on Australian soil since 2010-2011.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well in the practice games and in the nets, and can make my case for the first Test," Wood continued, whose last Test outing was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago.
"The rehab hasn't just been a smooth process, it's been a bit up and down, but I'm in a good position now where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match."
"I never want to give an answer claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident."
Australia's Fitness Concerns
Meanwhile, worries for Australia over the fitness of players has resulted in player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, which starts on Sunday.
The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year due to a back injury affecting his spine.
"Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series having experienced mild side discomfort during recent practice," Cricket Australia said.
"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return to play in round three of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the Ashes."
The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start on 28 October.
