English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Expresses Quiet Confidence for Ashes First Test

Mark Wood in training — Wood 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 in February and had an operation for a knee issue this spring.

That tournament and India series which came before was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem that had kept him out for many months.

"It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in 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 on several occasions, but in the tent [training camp] it's been going well. I've had the speed gun out and my speed is increasing."

The first match of the series starts on 21 November at Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series in Australia since 2010-2011.

"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well in the practice games and in net sessions, and can make my case for the first Test," added Wood, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka over a year back.

"My recovery wasn't a smooth process, it's been a bit up and down, 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'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 players have led to all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, which starts on Sunday.

The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress in his back.

"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 short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the series."

Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins on 28 October.