🔗 Share this article

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

The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery on a left knee injury in March.

That tournament and India series that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem which sidelined him since August 2024.

"The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any matches and my knee sometimes, when you think that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."

"I got knocked back a couple of times, but in the tent [training camp] it's been going well. I've had the speed gun out and my speed is increasing."

The opener of the series starts on 21 November at Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series in Australia in over a decade.

"With luck, I'll be performing well, 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 versus Sri Lanka over a year back.

"My recovery wasn't a straight curve, it's been a bit up and down, but I'm in a good position now and hope to push forward toward the match."

"I avoid making statements where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I feel assured currently and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."

Australian Fitness Concerns

Meanwhile, worries for Australia over the fitness of squad members has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, beginning this weekend.

The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since July due to a back injury affecting his spine.

"Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series having experienced mild side discomfort at training this week," the cricket board stated.

"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return for the third round of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the Ashes."

The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins on 28 October.