English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Expresses Quiet Confidence for The Ashes Series First Test
Wood has been absent from Test cricket for over a year.
The English pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" about his fitness for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia.
The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery on a left knee injury in March.
That tournament and tour of India that preceded it marked his comeback after an elbow problem that had kept him out for many months.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee sometimes, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I faced setbacks on several occasions, but during the training camp progress has been positive. 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 aiming to win their first Test series in Australia since 2010-2011.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well in the practice games and in the nets, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, whose last Test outing was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago.
"My recovery wasn't a smooth process, it had its ups and downs, but I'm in a good position now and hope to push forward for that game."
"I avoid making statements where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I feel assured at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."
Australian Injury Worries
At the same time, Australia's concerns regarding the health of players has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, beginning this weekend.
The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.
"Green is unavailable for the India series after suffering mild side discomfort during recent practice," Cricket Australia said.
"He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the Ashes."
Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start October 28th.
