England's Paceman Mark Wood Reveals 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 opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry down under.
Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan last winter 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.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee sometimes, when it seemed I was nearly fit, 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 the pace is getting up there."
The first match of the Ashes begins November 21st at Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series in Australia since 2010-2011.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, delivering effectively in the practice games and in the nets, and can put my hand up for the first Test," Wood continued, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka over a year back.
"The rehab hasn't just been a smooth process, it's been a bit up and down, but now I'm in a better place where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match."
"I avoid making statements claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australia's Injury Worries
At the same time, worries for Australia over the fitness of squad members has resulted in player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, beginning this weekend.
Australia already have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played 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 during recent practice," 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 further prepare for the Ashes."
Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins October 28th.
