English Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Quiet Confidence for The Ashes Series Opener
The bowler has been absent from Test cricket for over a year.
The English fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "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 against Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery on a left knee injury in March.
The Champions Trophy and tour of India which came before was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury 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 sometimes, when you think that you're just about ready, it was not just quite there."
"I got knocked back on several occasions, but in the tent [training camp] it's been going well. I've had the speed gun out and my speed is increasing."
The opener of the Ashes starts on 21 November at Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win on Australian soil since 2010-2011.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, delivering effectively in the practice games and in net sessions, and can make my case for the first Test," Wood continued, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago.
"The rehab hasn't just been 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 where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I feel assured at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australian Fitness Concerns
Meanwhile, Australia's concerns over the fitness of players have led to player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, beginning this weekend.
Australia already have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.
"Green is unavailable for the India series after suffering mild side discomfort during recent practice," the cricket board stated.
"He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the Ashes."
The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins on 28 October.