English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series First Test
Wood has been absent from Test cricket for over a year.
The English pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the opening match of the Ashes series in Australia.
Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery on a left knee injury in March.
The Champions Trophy and India series which came before marked his comeback from an elbow injury which sidelined him for many months.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee sometimes, when you think I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there."
"I got knocked back a couple of times, but in the tent [training camp] it's been going well. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."
The first match of the series begins November 21st in Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win in Australia in over a decade.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago.
"The rehab hasn't just been a straight curve, it's been a bit up and down, but now I'm in a better place and hope to push forward for that game."
"I avoid making statements claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I feel assured currently and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."
Australia's Injury Worries
Meanwhile, Australia's concerns over the fitness of players has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, beginning this weekend.
Australia already have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since July due to a back injury affecting his spine.
"Green is unavailable of the [India] series having experienced mild side discomfort during recent practice," the cricket board stated.
"He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the Ashes."
Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins on 28 October.
