Ahead of the Ashes series against Australia, England`s pacer Mark Wood feels that his side carries a “quiet confidence” as he gears up for the contest.
The “Three Lions” have not won the title in Australia since 2010-11, and will be eager to break the jinx.
While speaking during an interview with ESPNCricinfo, Wood said, “Australia are obviously the favourites going into the series, but I think there’s a quiet confidence within our group that we can do well”.
The pacer will be returning after the recovery period of six months. Earlier, he underwent knee surgery, and his inclusion will boost the bowling lineup of the visitors.
He last featured for England in the Ashes during the 2021-22 tour, in which he played four out of the five matches. He also managed to claim 17 wickets and achieved his career best figures of six wickets for 37 runs in Hobart.
When asked about the update on his match fitness, the pacer said that he has been trying to increase the intensity to get ready for the first match.
“I wouldn`t say I`m at 100 per cent. I think it`s very hard to train 100 per cent all of the time. I`ve been off my full run-up and stuff, and I`ve been trying to just up the intensity as I go along. I`m sure in the practice game coming up, I can try and up it a little bit more again and gradually get ready for that first game,” he said.
On the other hand, Australia`s skipper Pat Cummins will miss out on the first Test and in his absence, Steve Smith will lead the pack.
The first Ashes Test between Australia and England is scheduled to be played at the Optus Stadium in Perth from November 21.
ENG vs AUS: Full Squads
England squad: Ben Stokes (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue, Mark Wood.
Australia squad: Steve Smith (captain), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster.
(With Inputs from the ICC)