English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Expresses Reserved Optimism for Ashes First Test
The bowler has not played a Test for over a year.
England's pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the opening match of the Ashes series in Australia.
Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery on a left knee injury in March.
That tournament 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 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 first match of the series begins November 21st in Perth, with England aiming to win 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 make my case 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 now I'm in a better place where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match."
"I avoid making statements claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I feel assured at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australia's Injury Worries
Meanwhile, Australia's concerns regarding the health of squad members has resulted in player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, beginning this weekend.
The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress in his back.
"Green is unavailable of the [India] series after suffering low-grade side soreness at training this week," Cricket Australia said.
"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return for the third round of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the series."
Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins October 28th.
