English Paceman Mark Wood Expresses Quiet Confidence for The Ashes Series Opener
Wood has not played a Test for over a year.
The English pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" about his fitness for the first Test of the Ashes series in Australia.
The cricketer has been sidelined since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery for a knee issue in March.
That tournament and India series that preceded it marked his comeback after an elbow problem that had kept him out for many months.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee sometimes, when you think I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there."
"I faced setbacks a couple of times, but in the tent [training camp] it's been going well. I've had the speed gun out and the pace is getting up there."
The first match of the Ashes starts on 21 November at Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win in Australia in over a decade.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, delivering effectively 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 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 avoid making statements claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I feel assured currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australia's Injury Worries
At the same time, worries for Australia regarding the health of squad members have led to all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, beginning this weekend.
The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year 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," the cricket board stated.
"He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is expected to be back for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the Ashes."
The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins October 28th.
