English Paceman Mark Wood Expresses Quiet Confidence for Ashes Opener
Wood has been absent from Test cricket 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 in Australia.
Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery for a knee issue this spring.
The Champions Trophy and India series which came before marked his comeback after an elbow problem that had kept him out for many months.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee sometimes, when you think that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I got knocked back a couple of times, but in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. I've had the speed gun out and my speed is increasing."
The opener of the series begins November 21st in Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win on Australian soil in over a decade.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in net sessions, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago.
"The rehab hasn't just been a smooth process, it had its ups and downs, but I'm in a good position now and hope to push forward toward the match."
"I never want to give an answer claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I feel assured currently and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australian Fitness Concerns
At the same time, Australia's concerns over the fitness of squad members have led to all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, which starts on Sunday.
Australia already have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since July due to a back injury affecting his spine.
"Green is unavailable for the India series having experienced low-grade side soreness during recent practice," the cricket board stated.
"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is expected to be back for the third round of domestic cricket to further prepare for the Ashes."
Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start on 28 October.
