English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Quiet Confidence for Ashes Opener
Wood has been absent from Test cricket for over a year.
England's pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the opening match of the Ashes series down under.
Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan in February and had an operation for a knee issue in March.
That tournament and India series that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury which sidelined him for many months.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee, at times, when you think I was nearly fit, 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 my speed is increasing."
The first match of the series starts on 21 November at Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series on Australian soil since 2010-2011.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can put my hand up 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'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 set'. I feel assured currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australian Injury Worries
Meanwhile, worries for Australia regarding the health of squad members has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against 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 affecting his spine.
"Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series after suffering low-grade side soreness during recent practice," Cricket Australia said.
"Green will complete a brief rehab stint 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 the Sheffield Shield tournament begins on 28 October.
