England fast bowler Mark Wood says he is “quietly confident” of being fit for the first Test of the Ashes series in Australia.
Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan in February and had an operation on a left knee injury in March.
The Champions Trophy and tour of India that preceded it was the 35-year-old’s return from an elbow injury that had kept him out of action since August 2024.
“It was a frustrating summer,” Wood told the Wisden Cricket Weekly podcast., external “I didn’t get to play any cricket and my knee, at times when you think that you’re just about ready to play, it was not just quite there.
“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 the pace is getting up there.”
The first match of the Ashes starts on 21 November in Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series in Australia since 2010-2011.
“Hopefully, I’m in form, bowling well in the practice games and in the nets, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener],” added Wood, whose last Test outing was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago.
“The rehab hasn’t just been 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 never want to give an answer where I say, ‘Yes, I’m pumped, I’m ready’. I’m in a confident place at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I’m quietly confident.”
Meanwhile, Australia’s concerns over the fitness of players 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 captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since July because of lumbar bone stress in his back.
“Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series having experienced low-grade side soreness at training this week,” Cricket Australia said.
“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 Australia’s domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start on 28 October.