English Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Quiet Confidence for The Ashes Series Opener
The bowler has been absent from Test cricket for over a year.
England's fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia.
The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery for a knee issue this spring.
The Champions Trophy and tour of India that preceded it marked his comeback after an elbow problem that had kept him out for many months.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any matches and my knee, at times, when it seemed 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 my speed is increasing."
The first match of the series begins November 21st at Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win on Australian soil since 2010-2011.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well during warm-up matches and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for the first Test," Wood continued, whose last Test outing was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago.
"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 where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place currently and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."
Australian Fitness Concerns
Meanwhile, worries for Australia over the fitness of players have led to player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, beginning this weekend.
Australia already have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July because of lumbar bone stress in his back.
"Green is unavailable of the [India] series having experienced low-grade side soreness at training this week," the cricket board stated.
"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return 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.
