🔗 Share this article

England's pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" of being fit for the opening match of the Ashes series in Australia.

Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan last winter and had an operation for a knee issue this spring.

The Champions Trophy and India series which came before was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury that had kept him out since August 2024.

"It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee sometimes, when you think I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."

"I got knocked back a couple of times, but in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."

The first match of the Ashes begins November 21st in Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series on Australian soil in over a decade.

"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," added Wood, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka over a year back.

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

"I avoid making statements where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australian Injury Worries

Meanwhile, Australia's concerns regarding the health of players has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, beginning this weekend.

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

"Green is unavailable for the India series after suffering mild side discomfort 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 the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the Ashes."

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