English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for Ashes First Test
The bowler has been absent from Test cricket for over a year.
The English pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the first Test of the Ashes series down under.
The cricketer has been sidelined since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery for a knee issue in March.
The Champions Trophy and tour of India which came before marked his comeback after an elbow problem which sidelined him for many months.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee sometimes, when you think I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there."
"I faced setbacks on several occasions, but during the training camp progress has been positive. I've had the speed gun out and the pace is getting up there."
The opener of the Ashes starts on 21 November at Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win on Australian soil in over a decade.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, delivering effectively in the practice games and in the nets, and can put my hand up for the first Test," added Wood, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka over a year back.
"The rehab hasn't just been a smooth process, it had its ups and downs, but I'm in a good position now where i'm hoping to kick on for that game."
"I never want to give an answer where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I feel assured at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australian Fitness Concerns
At the same time, worries for Australia over the fitness of players have led to all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, beginning this weekend.
The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year due to a back injury affecting his spine.
"Green is unavailable 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 tracking to return for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the Ashes."
The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins on 28 October.
