English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series Opener
Wood has been absent from Test cricket for over a year.
England's pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia.
The cricketer has been sidelined since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery on a left knee injury in March.
That tournament and tour of India that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem that had kept him out for many months.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee, at times, when you think that you're just about ready, it was not just quite there."
"I got knocked back a couple of times, but in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. I've had the speed gun out and my speed is increasing."
The first match of the Ashes starts on 21 November at Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win on Australian soil since 2010-2011.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka over a year back.
"My recovery wasn't 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 for that game."
"I never want to give an answer where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place currently and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."
Australia's Fitness Concerns
At the same time, Australia's concerns over the fitness of squad members have led to all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, which starts on Sunday.
The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.
"Green is unavailable of the [India] series after suffering mild side discomfort during recent practice," the cricket board stated.
"He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the Ashes."
Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins October 28th.
