English Paceman Mark Wood Expresses Quiet Confidence for Ashes First Test
The bowler has not played a Test for over a year.
The English pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the first Test of the Ashes series in Australia.
The cricketer has been sidelined since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery on a left knee injury this spring.
The Champions Trophy and tour of India which came before marked his comeback after an elbow problem that had kept him out for many months.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee, at times, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it was not just quite there."
"I faced setbacks on several occasions, but in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."
The opener of the series starts on 21 November at Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win on Australian soil in over a decade.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively in the practice games and in the nets, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, whose last Test outing was against Sri Lanka over a year back.
"My recovery wasn't a smooth process, it had its ups and downs, but now I'm in a better place where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match."
"I never want to give an answer claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place currently and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australian Injury Worries
At the same time, Australia's concerns regarding the health of players has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, which starts on Sunday.
The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July due to a back injury in his back.
"Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series having experienced low-grade side soreness during recent practice," the cricket board stated.
"Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back to play in round three of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the series."
Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins October 28th.