England's Paceman Mark Wood Expresses Quiet Confidence for Ashes Opener
The bowler has not played a Test for over a year.
The English pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" of being fit for the first Test of the Ashes series down under.
Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery on a left knee injury this spring.
The Champions Trophy and tour of India which came before marked his comeback from an elbow injury that had kept him out for many months.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee, at times, when you think I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I got knocked back a couple of times, but during the training camp progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and the pace is getting up there."
The opener of the Ashes starts on 21 November at Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win in Australia since 2010-2011.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, delivering effectively in the practice games and in net sessions, and can make my case for the first Test," Wood continued, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka over a year back.
"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 where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident."
Australia's Injury Worries
At the same time, worries for Australia regarding the health of players have led to all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, which starts on Sunday.
Australia already have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since July due to a back injury in his back.
"Green is unavailable of the [India] series after suffering low-grade side soreness during recent practice," 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."
The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start on 28 October.
