England's Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Quiet Confidence for Ashes Opener

The English pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" of being fit for the first Test of the Ashes series down under.

The cricketer has been sidelined since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery on a left knee injury in March.

The Champions Trophy and India series that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem which sidelined him since August 2024.

"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any matches and my knee, at times, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there."

"I faced setbacks on several occasions, but during the training camp it's been going well. I've had the speed gun out and the pace is getting up there."

The opener of the Ashes begins November 21st in Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series in Australia in over a decade.

"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, whose last Test outing was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago.

"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 where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place currently and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australian Injury Worries

Meanwhile, worries for Australia over the fitness of squad members has resulted in player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, beginning this weekend.

The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since July because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.

"Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series having experienced mild side discomfort at training this week," 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 series."

The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins on 28 October.