England paceman Mark Wood ‘quietly confident’ for Ashes opener against Australia
England fast bowler Mark Wood says he is “quietly confident” he will be fit for the first Test of the Ashes series in Australia.
Wood has not played since the Champions Cup defeat to Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery on his left knee injury in March.
The Champions Trophy and the tour to India that preceded it was the 35-year-old’s return from an elbow injury that has kept him sidelined since August 2024.
“It was a frustrating summer.” Wood told the Wisden Cricket Weekly podcast., external “I couldn’t play cricket at all and my knee wasn’t quite there when you thought you were ready to play.
“I got pushed back a few times, but when I was in the tent [training camp] It’s going well. “I pulled out my speed gun and the pace is picking up.”
The first match of the Ashes kicks off in Perth on November 21, with England aiming to win their first Test series in Australia since 2010-2011.
“Hopefully I’m fit, I can bowl well in friendlies and in the nets and I can put my hand up for this match [Ashes opener],” added Wood, whose last Test outing was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago.
“The rehab hasn’t just been a smooth curve, it’s had some ups and downs, but I’m in a good position now where I’m hoping to start that game.
“I never want to give an answer where I’m like, ‘Yes, I’m excited, I’m ready.’ I’m in a confident place right now and I’m feeling a lot more positive, so I’m quietly confident.”
