England's Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for Ashes First Test
The bowler has not played a Test for over a year.
England's fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry down under.
Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery on a left knee injury 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 explained. "I was unable to participate in 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 on several occasions, but in the tent [training camp] it's been going well. I've had the speed gun out and my speed is increasing."
The first match of the series starts on 21 November at Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win on Australian soil since 2010-2011.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago.
"My recovery wasn't 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 where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australia's Injury Worries
Meanwhile, worries for Australia regarding the health of players has resulted in player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, which starts on Sunday.
Australia already have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July due to a back injury in his back.
"Green is unavailable of the [India] series having experienced mild side discomfort during recent practice," the cricket board stated.
"Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return to play in round three of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the series."
Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins October 28th.
