English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Quiet Confidence for The Ashes Series First Test
Wood has been absent from Test cricket for over a year.
England's pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the first Test of the Ashes series in Australia.
The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery for a knee issue in March.
The Champions Trophy and tour of India that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem which sidelined him for many months.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee, at times, when you think that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I got knocked back 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 in Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series on Australian soil since 2010-2011.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively in the practice games and in net sessions, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, whose last Test outing was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago.
"My recovery wasn't a smooth process, it had its ups and downs, but I'm in a good position now where i'm hoping to kick on for that game."
"I avoid making statements where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I feel assured at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australian Fitness Concerns
At the same time, worries for Australia regarding the health of players have led to all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, beginning this weekend.
Australia already have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.
"Green is unavailable for the India series after suffering mild side discomfort during recent practice," Cricket Australia said.
"He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is expected to be back for the third round of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the series."
The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins on 28 October.
