English Paceman Mark Wood Expresses Quiet Confidence for Ashes Opener

Mark Wood in training

Wood has not played a Test for over a year.

England's fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" of being fit for the opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry down under.

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

The Champions Trophy and India series that preceded it marked his comeback after an elbow problem which sidelined him for many months.

"The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any matches and my knee, at times, when you think that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."

"I got knocked back on several occasions, but in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. I've had the speed gun out and the pace is getting up there."

The opener of the series starts on 21 November in Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series on Australian soil since 2010-2011.

"With luck, I'll be performing well, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for the first Test," Wood continued, whose last Test outing 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 avoid making statements where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place currently and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."

Australian Injury Worries

Meanwhile, Australia's concerns over the fitness of players have led to player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, which starts on Sunday.

The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since July because of lumbar bone stress in his back.

"Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series having experienced low-grade side soreness at training this week," Cricket Australia said.

"He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is expected to be back to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the Ashes."

The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start on 28 October.

Lisa Mccarthy
Lisa Mccarthy

A seasoned gaming journalist with over a decade of experience covering casino trends and slot machine strategies.