English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for Ashes Opener
The bowler has not played a Test for over a year.
England's fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness 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 had an operation on a left knee injury in March.
The Champions Trophy and India series that preceded it marked his comeback from an elbow injury which sidelined him for many months.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee sometimes, when you think that you're just about ready, 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 opener of the series starts on 21 November in Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win on Australian soil since 2010-2011.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago.
"My recovery wasn't a smooth process, it had its ups and downs, but I'm in a good position now and hope to push forward toward the match."
"I avoid making statements where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I feel assured at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."
Australian Fitness Concerns
At the same time, Australia's concerns regarding the health of squad members have led to all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, which starts on Sunday.
Australia already have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since July due to a back injury in his back.
"Green is unavailable of the [India] series after suffering mild side discomfort at training this week," Cricket Australia said.
"He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the Ashes."
Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start October 28th.
