English Paceman Mark Wood Expresses Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series Opener
Wood has been absent from Test cricket for over a year.
England's fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the opening match of the Ashes series in Australia.
Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat against 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 from an elbow injury which sidelined him for many months.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee, at times, when you think that you're just about ready, it was not just quite there."
"I faced setbacks a couple of times, but in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and the pace is getting up there."
The opener of the series begins November 21st at Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series in Australia in over a decade.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively during warm-up matches 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 had its ups and downs, but now I'm in a better place where i'm hoping to kick on for that game."
"I never want to give an answer claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."
Australian Fitness Concerns
At the same time, worries for Australia over the fitness of players have led to player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, which starts on Sunday.
The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July due to a back injury in his back.
"Green is unavailable for the India series having experienced mild side discomfort at training this week," Cricket Australia said.
"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return to play in round three of domestic cricket to further prepare for the Ashes."
Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins on 28 October.