Wood remains ‘confident on team’ despite media jibes ahead of Ashes opener

England pacer Mark Wood said he is paying little attention to the Australian media’s criticism of captain Ben Stokes and the team’s aggressive ‘Bazball’ approach, insisting that there is a ‘quiet confidence’ within the camp as they prepare for the 2025-26 Ashes.

Australian outlets have launched a series of front-page jibes at Stokes, calling England’s style of play ‘dopey’, but Wood has brushed off the noise, saying such talk is part of the pre-series theatre.

“I think that’s all part of it. I haven’t taken much notice of newspapers and things,” Wood told Sky Sports. “But the reception we’ve had in general from Australians has been great — throughout the hotel and around Perth everyone’s been very friendly and everyone’s excited for the series. I think it’s a big build up.”

Despite the media tension, the atmosphere on the ground, Wood said, has been positive. “There’s a lot of English coming,” he added. “I think the Barmy Army will be in full voice and right behind us.”

Wood acknowledged that England face a formidable challenge, describing Australia as the favourite in home conditions, but said that belief within the squad remains strong.

“The Australian side, they’re very hard to beat in their own conditions. They’ve shown that for a number of years — we haven’t managed to win many games here at all. I think that first game’s a huge game,” he said.

“As any bowling group knows, that first couple of wickets is vitally important. If we can get off to a good start then we can try and put some pressure on.

“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 here.”

England have been doing everything possible to prepare for the hot and unforgiving Australian conditions — including recreating them back home.

“In England it’s not so hot outside but we tried to put some heaters in the tent,” Wood revealed with a smile. “Trying to mimic the conditions a bit here. Obviously, it’s not the same but nice that we were able to do that for a couple of weeks.

“Again, that’s more preparation so when we got here we could get up and running a bit quicker.”

Doggett eyes Ashes call-up: South Australia paceman Brendan Doggett believes his recent wicket-laden comeback could not have come at a better time, as Australia prepares to announce their Ashes squad.

Doggett, who has been on the fringes of the national setup for the past year, made a statement on his return from a hamstring injury, taking seven wickets against Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield — including a sensational 6 for 48 in the first innings.

“It was obviously my first hit-out of the season with the red ball,” Doggett told reporters on Tuesday. “I guess the timing was perfect to take a six-for.”

The 31-year-old fast bowler first earned a Test call-up in 2018 for the series against Pakistan in the UAE, and most recently was included in the squad as cover for Josh Hazlewood during last year’s home series against India.

Doggett was also part of the World Test Championship final squad against South Africa in England earlier this year.

That selection followed a standout domestic season when he played a key role in South Australia’s first Sheffield Shield title since 1995-96, claiming 33 wickets at 24.15 and returning match figures of 11 for 140 — the best-ever figures in a Shield final.

Despite his recent success, Doggett revealed he has yet to hear from selectors ahead of the squad announcement for the first Ashes Test starting Nov.21.

Indo-Asian News Service