English Paceman Mark Wood Expresses Quiet Confidence for Ashes Opener
Wood has been absent from Test cricket for over a year.
The English 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 following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan in February and had an operation on a left knee injury in March.
The Champions Trophy and India series which came before was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem that had kept him out for many months.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any matches and my knee, at times, 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 progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and the pace is getting up there."
The first match of the Ashes begins November 21st in Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win on Australian soil since 2010-2011.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, whose last Test outing 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 where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match."
"I avoid making statements where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I feel assured currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident."
Australia's Fitness Concerns
Meanwhile, worries for Australia regarding the health of players have led to player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, beginning this weekend.
Australia already have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.
"Green is unavailable for the India series having experienced mild side discomfort at training this week," the cricket board stated.
"Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back for the third round of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the series."
Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start October 28th.
