🔗 Share this article English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Quiet Confidence for Ashes Opener The bowler has not played a Test for over a year. England's pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" about his fitness for the first Test of the Ashes series in Australia. Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan in February and had an operation on a left knee injury this spring. That tournament and India series which came before marked his comeback from an elbow injury that had kept him out since August 2024. "The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any matches and my knee, at times, when you think that you're just about ready, it was not just quite there." "I faced setbacks a couple of times, but in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. I've had the speed gun out and the pace is getting up there." The first match of the Ashes begins November 21st at Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series on Australian soil 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 that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago. "My recovery wasn't a straight curve, it's been a bit up and down, but I'm in a good position now where i'm hoping to kick on for that game." "I avoid making statements claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I feel assured currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident." Australian Injury Worries At the same time, worries for Australia over the fitness of players have led to player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, which starts on Sunday. Australia already have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year due to a back injury affecting his spine. "Green is unavailable of the [India] series having experienced low-grade side soreness during recent practice," 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 series." The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start on 28 October.