English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Quiet Confidence for Ashes First Test
Wood has been absent from Test cricket since August 2024.
The English fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" of being fit for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry down under.
Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery for a knee issue this spring.
That tournament and tour of India that preceded it marked his comeback after an elbow problem which sidelined him since August 2024.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee, at times, when you think I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there."
"I faced setbacks a couple of times, but in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."
The first match of the Ashes starts on 21 November 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 that game [Ashes opener]," 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 for that game."
"I avoid making statements where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place currently and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."
Australian Fitness Concerns
At the same time, worries for Australia over the fitness of squad members have led to 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 mid-year due to a back injury in his back.
"Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series after suffering mild side discomfort at training this week," the cricket board stated.
"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return for the third round of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the Ashes."
Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins on 28 October.
