English Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Quiet Confidence for Ashes First Test

England's 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 following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery on a left knee injury this spring.

That tournament and India series which came before marked his comeback after an elbow problem that had kept him out since August 2024.

"It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any matches and my knee, at times, when you think I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."

"I got knocked back a couple of times, but in the tent [training camp] it's been going well. We've used the radar gun and the pace is getting up there."

The first match of the Ashes begins November 21st at Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win in Australia since 2010-2011.

"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can put my hand up for the first Test," added Wood, whose last Test outing was against Sri Lanka over a year back.

"The rehab hasn't just been a straight curve, it's been a bit up and down, but I'm in a good position now and hope to push forward for that game."

"I never want to give an answer claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I feel assured at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australian Injury Worries

Meanwhile, worries for Australia over the fitness of players has resulted in player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, beginning this weekend.

Australia already have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year due to a back injury affecting his spine.

"Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series after suffering low-grade side soreness during recent practice," Cricket Australia said.

"Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back to play in round three of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the Ashes."

Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start October 28th.