English Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series First Test
The bowler has been absent from Test cricket for over a year.
The English fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the first Test of the Ashes series in Australia.
The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery on a left knee injury in March.
The Champions Trophy and tour of India that preceded it marked his comeback from an elbow injury which sidelined him for many months.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any cricket 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 first match of the series begins November 21st in Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win on Australian soil in over a decade.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in net sessions, and can make my case for the first Test," added Wood, whose last Test outing versus 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 where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match."
"I never want to give an answer where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I feel assured at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."
Australia's Fitness Concerns
Meanwhile, worries for Australia over the fitness of squad members have led to player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, which starts on Sunday.
Australia already have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year due to a back injury affecting his spine.
"Green is unavailable for the India series having experienced mild side discomfort 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 further prepare for the Ashes."
The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start on 28 October.