English Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series Opener
Wood has been absent from Test cricket for over a year.
The English fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" of being fit for the opening match of the Ashes series in Australia.
The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan in February and had an operation on a left knee injury in March.
That tournament and tour of India which came before was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury which sidelined him for many months.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee sometimes, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there."
"I got knocked back on several occasions, 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 Ashes starts on 21 November in Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series on Australian soil in over a decade.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka over a year back.
"The rehab hasn't just been a smooth process, 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, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australian Fitness Concerns
At the same time, Australia's concerns over the fitness of squad members have led to player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, which starts on Sunday.
The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress in his back.
"Green is unavailable for the India series after suffering mild side discomfort at training this week," Cricket Australia said.
"He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the series."
The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start on 28 October.
