Australian outlets have launched a series of front-page jibes at Stokes, calling England\u2019s style of play \u2018dopey\u2019, but Wood has brushed off the noise, saying such talk is part of the pre-series theatre.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI think that\u2019s all part of it. I haven\u2019t taken much notice of newspapers and things,\u201d Wood told Sky Sports. \u201cBut the reception we\u2019ve had in general from Australians has been great \u2014 throughout the hotel and around Perth everyone\u2019s been very friendly and everyone\u2019s excited for the series. I think it\u2019s a big build up.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite the media tension, the atmosphere on the ground, Wood said, has been positive. \u201cThere\u2019s a lot of English coming,\u201d he added. \u201cI think the Barmy Army will be in full voice and right behind us.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe Australian side, they\u2019re very hard to beat in their own conditions. They\u2019ve shown that for a number of years \u2014 we haven\u2019t managed to win many games here at all. I think that first game\u2019s a huge game,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cAs 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.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cAustralia are obviously the favourites going into the series, but I think there\u2019s a quiet confidence within our group that we can do well here.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
England have been doing everything possible to prepare for the hot and unforgiving Australian conditions \u2014 including recreating them back home.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cAustralia are obviously the favourites going into the series, but I think there\u2019s a quiet confidence within our group that we can do well here.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cAgain, that\u2019s more preparation so when we got here we could get up and running a bit quicker.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n