England pacer Mark Wood is ‘quietly confident’ in Ashes opener against Australia

England fast bowler Mark Wood says he is “pretty confident” of being fit for the first Ashes Test series in Australia.

Wood has not played since the Champions Cup loss to Afghanistan last February, and underwent surgery to treat a left knee injury in March.

The Champions Trophy and the tour of India that preceded it marked the 35-year-old’s return from an elbow injury that has sidelined him since August 2024.

“It’s been a frustrating summer.” Wood told the Wisden Cricket Weekly podcast., external “I couldn’t play any cricket and my knee, sometimes when you think you’re about to play, it’s not quite there.

“I’ve been kicked out a few times, but in the tent [training camp] Everything went well. “I’ve got the speed gun and the pace is up there.”

The first Ashes match begins on November 21 in Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series in Australia since 2010-11.

“Hopefully I can be in good form, bowl well in the practice matches and in the nets, and be able to get my hands on them in that match [Ashes opener]added Wood, whose last Test was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago.

“The rehab period wasn’t just a straight curve, it was a bit up and down, but I’m in a good place now where I can hopefully start in that game.

“I never want to give an answer where I say, ‘Yes, I’m excited, I’m ready.’ I’m in a confident place at the moment and I feel much more positive, so I’m quietly confident.”