English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Expresses Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series First Test
The bowler has been absent from Test cricket for over a year.
England's pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the first Test of the Ashes series down under.
The cricketer has been sidelined since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan last winter and had an operation on a left knee injury in March.
The Champions Trophy and tour of India which came before marked his comeback from an elbow injury which sidelined him for many months.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any cricket 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 during the training camp progress has been positive. I've had the speed gun out and my speed is increasing."
The opener of the series starts on 21 November at Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series 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 versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago.
"My recovery wasn't a smooth process, it's been a bit up and down, but I'm in a good position now where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match."
"I avoid making statements claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."
Australia's Fitness Concerns
Meanwhile, Australia's concerns over the fitness of players has resulted in player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, beginning this weekend.
The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of captain 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.
"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is expected to be back to play in round three of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the series."
The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start on 28 October.
