England's Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for Ashes First Test

The English fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" about his fitness for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia.

Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery for a knee issue in March.

The Champions Trophy and India series that preceded it marked his comeback from an elbow injury which sidelined him since August 2024.

"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee, at times, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there."

"I got knocked back on several occasions, but during the training camp progress has been positive. I've had the speed gun out and the pace is getting up there."

The first match of the series starts on 21 November at Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series on Australian soil since 2010-2011.

"With luck, I'll be performing well, delivering effectively in the practice games and in the nets, and can put my hand up for the first Test," Wood continued, whose last Test outing was against Sri Lanka over a year back.

"My recovery wasn't a smooth process, it had its ups and downs, but now I'm in a better place where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match."

"I never want to give an answer where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident."

Australian Fitness Concerns

Meanwhile, Australia's concerns regarding the health of players has resulted in player Cameron Green being replaced by 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 has not played since mid-year due to a back injury affecting his spine.

"Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series having experienced mild side discomfort during recent practice," Cricket Australia said.

"He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back to play in round three of domestic cricket to further prepare for the series."

The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start on 28 October.