English Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Quiet Confidence for Ashes Opener
The bowler has been absent from Test cricket for over a year.
The English pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" about his fitness 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 had an operation for a knee issue in March.
The Champions Trophy and tour of India which came before was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem which sidelined him since August 2024.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee, at times, when you think I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I faced setbacks on several occasions, but during the training camp progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."
The opener of the series begins November 21st in Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win on Australian soil since 2010-2011.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well during warm-up matches and in net sessions, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka over a year back.
"The rehab hasn't just been a smooth process, it had its ups and downs, but now I'm in a better place and hope to push forward for that game."
"I never want to give an answer where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I feel assured currently 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 being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, beginning this weekend.
The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year due to a back injury affecting his spine.
"Green is unavailable for the India series having experienced low-grade side soreness 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 the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the series."
Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start October 28th.
