English Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for Ashes First Test
Wood has been absent from Test cricket for over a year.
England's pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia.
Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan last winter and had an operation for a knee issue this spring.
That tournament and India series which came before marked his comeback 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 it seemed that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I faced setbacks on several occasions, but during the training camp it's been going well. We've used the radar gun and the pace is getting up there."
The opener of the Ashes starts on 21 November at Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win in Australia in over a decade.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in net sessions, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka over a year back.
"My recovery wasn't a smooth process, it's been a bit up and down, but I'm in a good position now and hope to push forward for that game."
"I avoid making statements claiming, '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
At the same time, Australia's concerns regarding the health of squad members 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 has not played since July due to a back injury affecting his spine.
"Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series after suffering low-grade side soreness at training this week," Cricket Australia said.
"He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is expected to be back for the third round of domestic cricket to further prepare for the series."
Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start October 28th.
