English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Expresses Quiet Confidence for The Ashes Series First Test

The English pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" of being fit for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry 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.

That tournament and tour of India that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem which sidelined him for many months.

"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee, at times, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."

"I faced setbacks on several occasions, but in the tent [training camp] it's been going well. I've had the speed gun out and the pace is getting up there."

The first match of the series starts on 21 November in Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series on Australian soil in over a decade.

"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can put my hand up for the first Test," added Wood, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago.

"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 never want to give an answer where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australian Injury Worries

Meanwhile, worries for Australia regarding the health of squad members has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, which starts on Sunday.

Australia already have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress in his back.

"Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series after suffering low-grade side soreness during recent practice," Cricket Australia said.

"He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the Ashes."

Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start October 28th.