New Delhi, Oct 16 (NationPress) Mark Wood has conveyed that he is "quietly confident" about being fit and prepared to participate in the opening Ashes Test in Perth on November 21.

During the 2021–22 Ashes series, Wood was recognized as England’s top wicket-taker and earned the Player of the Match title at Headingley in 2023 after showcasing his exceptional pace against Australia. However, he has not taken part in any competitive match since the Champions Trophy in February, having undergone knee surgery that sidelined him throughout the English summer.

A return was initially aimed for the fifth Test of England’s series against India, with Wood spotted bowling in the nets alongside his international teammates over the summer. Unfortunately, swelling in his knee necessitated fluid drainage, pushing back his comeback. This same issue later prevented him from participating in Durham’s County Championship campaign.

Wood is set to arrive in New Zealand next week to join England’s white-ball squads and continue his rehabilitation, although he isn’t expected to engage in any competitive matches. Recently, he has been seen bowling in the heated tent at England’s training facility in Loughborough, and reports suggest that he feels optimistic about his condition ahead of the Ashes.

"It was a frustrating summer," Wood remarked on the Wisden Cricket Weekly podcast. "I didn't get to play any cricket, and at times when I believed I was almost ready to play, my knee was just not up to par."

Wood continued, "I faced setbacks, but my recent training has been promising. I’ve been clocking good speeds, so I’m progressing nicely toward the New Zealand tour and then the Australian leg."

"I hope to be in form, bowling effectively in practice games and nets, and ready to make a case for that match in Perth. My rehab has been a rollercoaster, but I’m currently in a favorable position and eager to excel for that game."

He reflected on his knee surgery recovery, noting it has been different from his past rehabilitation experiences related to elbow and ankle injuries, describing it as "annoying". "You keep thinking, 'I'm nearly there' and just when you think you're ready to play, something happens. I was so close to the fifth Test against India, but then my knee swelled, necessitating drainage."

Wood also shared that he spent part of the summer enhancing his coaching skills in preparation for life after cricket. He completed a short coaching stint with the England Lions and is currently working towards his Level Three coaching qualification alongside former England cricketers Steven Finn, Chris Jordan, Sarah Taylor, and Chris Woakes.