🔗 Share this article England's Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Quiet Confidence for Ashes Opener The bowler has been absent from Test cricket since August 2024. The English pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" of being fit for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia. The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery on a left knee injury this spring. The Champions Trophy and India series that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem that had kept him out since August 2024. "It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee, at times, when you think I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered." "I faced setbacks a couple of times, but during the training camp it's been going well. I've had the speed gun out and my speed is increasing." The opener of the Ashes begins November 21st at Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series in Australia in over a decade. "Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for the first Test," Wood continued, 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 and hope to push forward toward the match." "I avoid making statements claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I feel assured at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful." Australia's Injury Worries At the same time, Australia's concerns regarding the health of players have led to all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, beginning this weekend. The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July because of lumbar bone stress in his back. "Green is unavailable for the India series after suffering mild side discomfort at training this week," the cricket board stated. "He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back for the third round of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the series." Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start October 28th.