English Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series First Test
The bowler has not played a Test for over a year.
The English pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" about his fitness for the opening match of the Ashes series down under.
Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery on a left knee injury this spring.
That tournament and tour of India which came before marked his comeback from an elbow injury which sidelined him for many months.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee, at times, when you think I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I got knocked back a couple of times, but during the training camp it's been going well. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."
The opener of the Ashes starts on 21 November in Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win in Australia in over a decade.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago.
"The rehab hasn't just been a straight curve, it had its ups and downs, but I'm in a good position now and hope to push forward for that game."
"I never want to give an answer claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place currently and feeling a lot more positive, 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 making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, beginning this weekend.
The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since July due to a back injury affecting his spine.
"Green is unavailable for the India series after suffering mild side discomfort during recent practice," the cricket board stated.
"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is expected to be back for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the series."
Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start on 28 October.
