English Paceman Mark Wood Expresses Quiet Confidence for Ashes First Test

The English fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" about his fitness for the opening match of the Ashes series down under.

Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery on a left knee injury this spring.

That tournament and tour of India which came before was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem which sidelined him for many months.

"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 on several occasions, but during the 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 series begins November 21st in Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win on Australian soil in over a decade.

"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively in the practice games and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, whose last Test outing was against Sri Lanka over a year back.

"The rehab hasn't just been a straight curve, it had its ups and downs, but I'm in a good position now 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 set'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident."

Australian Injury Worries

Meanwhile, worries for Australia regarding the health of players has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, which starts on Sunday.

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

"Green is unavailable of the [India] series after suffering low-grade side soreness at training this week," the cricket board stated.

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

The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins October 28th.