England's Paceman Mark Wood Expresses Quiet Confidence for Ashes First Test
The bowler has been absent from Test cricket since August 2024.
England's fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" of being fit for the first Test of the Ashes series in Australia.
The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery on a left knee injury in March.
That tournament and tour of India which came before marked his comeback from an elbow injury that had kept him out for many months.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any matches 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 during the training camp it's been going well. We've used the radar gun and the pace is getting up there."
The first match of the Ashes starts on 21 November in Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win in Australia since 2010-2011.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well in the practice games and in the nets, and can make my case for the first Test," added Wood, whose last Test outing was against Sri Lanka over a year back.
"My recovery wasn't a straight curve, it's been a bit up and down, but I'm in a good position now and hope to push forward toward the match."
"I avoid making statements claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I feel assured at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australia's Injury Worries
Meanwhile, worries for Australia regarding the health of squad members have led to all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, beginning this weekend.
The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.
"Green is unavailable for the India series having experienced mild side discomfort at training this week," Cricket Australia said.
"Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return to play in round three of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the series."
The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins October 28th.