English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Expresses Reserved Optimism for Ashes First Test
Wood has been absent from Test cricket for over a year.
The English pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" about his fitness for the opening match of the Ashes series down under.
Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan last winter and had an operation for a knee issue in March.
That tournament and tour of India that preceded it marked his comeback after an elbow problem that had kept him out for many months.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any matches and my knee sometimes, when you think that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I faced setbacks a couple of times, but during the training camp it's been going well. I've had the speed gun out and my speed is increasing."
The opener of the series begins November 21st at Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series on Australian soil in over a decade.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively in the practice games and in net sessions, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka over a year back.
"The rehab hasn't just been a smooth process, it's been a bit up and down, but now I'm in a better place and hope to push forward toward the match."
"I never want to give an answer claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I feel assured currently and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."
Australian Fitness Concerns
Meanwhile, Australia's concerns regarding the health of players have led to all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, beginning this weekend.
Australia already have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year due to a back injury in his back.
"Green is unavailable for the India series having experienced mild side discomfort during recent practice," Cricket Australia said.
"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the series."
The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins October 28th.