English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Quiet Confidence for Ashes First Test
Wood has not played a Test for over a year.
The English fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" of being fit for the first Test of the Ashes series down under.
The cricketer has been sidelined since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery for a knee issue this spring.
That tournament 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 explained. "I didn't get to play any matches 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 during the training camp it's been going well. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."
The first match of the Ashes starts on 21 November 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 during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can put my hand up for the first Test," added Wood, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago.
"My recovery wasn't a straight curve, it had its ups and downs, but now I'm in a better place where i'm hoping to kick on for that game."
"I never want to give an answer where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australian Injury Worries
At the same time, Australia's concerns regarding the health of players has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, which starts on Sunday.
The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July because of lumbar bone stress in his back.
"Green is unavailable of the [India] series after suffering mild side discomfort during recent practice," the cricket board stated.
"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return to play in round three of domestic cricket to further prepare for the Ashes."
Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins on 28 October.
