🔗 Share this article

The English pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" about his fitness for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia.

Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery on a left knee injury in March.

The Champions Trophy and tour of India which came before was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury which sidelined him for many months.

"The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee sometimes, when you think I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."

"I faced setbacks on several occasions, but during the training camp progress has been positive. I've had the speed gun out and the pace is getting up there."

The opener of the series starts on 21 November at Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win on Australian soil in over a decade.

"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well in the practice games and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for the first Test," added Wood, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka over a year back.

"My recovery wasn't a straight curve, it had its ups and downs, but now I'm in a better place and hope to push forward toward the match."

"I never want to give an answer claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I feel assured at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."

Australian Fitness Concerns

Meanwhile, worries for Australia regarding the health of squad members has resulted in player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, which starts on Sunday.

The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July due to a back injury in his back.

"Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series after suffering mild side discomfort at training this week," Cricket Australia said.

"Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the series."

The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start October 28th.