England's Fast Bowler Mark Wood Expresses 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 has stated he feels "quietly confident" about his fitness for the first Test of the Ashes series in Australia.
Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery on a left knee injury this spring.
The Champions Trophy and India series that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury which sidelined him for many months.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee sometimes, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I got knocked back on several occasions, but in the tent [training camp] it's been going well. I've had the speed gun out and the pace is getting up there."
The first match of the Ashes begins November 21st at Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win in Australia since 2010-2011.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in net sessions, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka over a year back.
"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'm in a confident place at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australian Injury Worries
At the same time, worries for Australia over the fitness of squad members have led to player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, beginning this weekend.
Australia already have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July because of lumbar bone stress in his back.
"Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series having experienced mild side discomfort during recent practice," the cricket board stated.
"He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the Ashes."
Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins on 28 October.