English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Expresses Quiet Confidence for Ashes First Test
The bowler has been absent from Test cricket for over a year.
England's fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" about his fitness for the first Test of the Ashes series down under.
Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery for a knee issue in March.
That tournament and tour of India which came before marked his comeback from an elbow injury that had kept him out for many months.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee sometimes, when you think I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there."
"I faced setbacks on several occasions, but during the training camp it's been going well. I've had the speed gun out and my speed is increasing."
The first match of the series begins November 21st at Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win on Australian soil since 2010-2011.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well 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 was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago.
"The rehab hasn't just been a straight curve, 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 avoid making statements claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I feel assured currently and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."
Australian Fitness Concerns
At the same time, worries for Australia over the fitness of players have led to player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, which starts on Sunday.
The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July due to a back injury in his back.
"Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series after suffering low-grade side soreness during recent practice," the cricket board stated.
"Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return 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 on 28 October.
