England's Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series First Test
Wood has been absent from Test cricket for over a year.
The English fast bowler 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 following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan last winter and had an operation on a left knee injury in March.
That tournament and tour of India which came before marked his comeback 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 it seemed I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there."
"I got knocked back on several occasions, but in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and the pace is getting up there."
The opener 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 during warm-up matches and in net sessions, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, who last played a Test 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 where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match."
"I never want to give an answer claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I feel assured at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."
Australian Fitness Concerns
At the same time, Australia's concerns over the fitness of squad members have led to player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, which starts on Sunday.
The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since July because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.
"Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series after suffering low-grade side soreness at training this week," Cricket Australia said.
"He will undergo 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 Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start on 28 October.
