English 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" of being fit for the first Test of the Ashes series down under.
The cricketer has been sidelined since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan last winter and had an operation for a knee issue this spring.
The Champions Trophy and tour of India which came before marked his comeback from an elbow injury which sidelined him for many months.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee sometimes, when you think I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I got knocked back on several occasions, but during the training camp progress has been positive. I've had the speed gun out and the pace is getting up there."
The opener of the Ashes begins November 21st in Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series in Australia in over a decade.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can make my case for the first Test," added Wood, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago.
"My recovery wasn't 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 where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I feel assured at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australia's Injury Worries
Meanwhile, Australia's concerns regarding the health of players have led to all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, beginning this weekend.
The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.
"Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series after suffering low-grade side soreness during recent practice," the cricket board stated.
"He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the Ashes."
Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins on 28 October.
