England's Fast Bowler Mark Wood Expresses Reserved Optimism for Ashes First Test
The bowler has been absent from Test cricket for over a year.
The English pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the opening match of the Ashes series down under.
Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery on a left knee injury in March.
The Champions Trophy and tour of India which came before was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury that had kept him out for many months.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any matches and my knee sometimes, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it was not just quite there."
"I faced setbacks a couple of times, but during the training camp progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."
The first match of the Ashes begins November 21st at Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win on Australian soil in over a decade.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, delivering effectively in the practice games and in net sessions, 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 smooth process, it had its ups and downs, but I'm in a good position now and hope to push forward for that game."
"I avoid making statements claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident."
Australian Fitness Concerns
Meanwhile, Australia's concerns over the fitness of squad members have led to player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, which starts on Sunday.
Australia already have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year due to a back injury in his back.
"Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series having experienced mild side discomfort at training this week," the cricket board stated.
"He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return for the third round of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the series."
Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins October 28th.
