England's Fast Bowler Mark Wood Expresses Quiet Confidence for The Ashes Series First Test
Wood has not played a Test for over a year.
The English fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" about his fitness for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia.
The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan last winter and had an operation for a knee issue this spring.
The Champions Trophy and India series that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury that had kept him out for many months.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee sometimes, when you think that you're just about ready, it was not just quite there."
"I faced setbacks a couple of times, but in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."
The first match of the series begins November 21st at Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win 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," Wood continued, who last played a Test 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 never want to give an answer where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. 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 has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, which starts on Sunday.
Australia already have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since July due to a back injury 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 tracking to return for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the series."
The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins October 28th.
