England's Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series Opener
The bowler has not played a Test for over a year.
The English pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" about his fitness for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry down under.
The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan in February and had an operation for a knee issue in March.
The Champions Trophy and India series that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem which sidelined him for many months.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee sometimes, when you think I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there."
"I faced setbacks a couple of times, but during the training camp progress has been positive. I've had the speed gun out and the pace is getting up there."
The first match of the series starts on 21 November in Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series in Australia in over a decade.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, 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 toward the match."
"I never want to give an answer claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I feel assured at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident."
Australia's Injury Worries
Meanwhile, worries for Australia over the fitness of players have led to all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, beginning this weekend.
The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress in his back.
"Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series after suffering low-grade side soreness during recent practice," Cricket Australia said.
"He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back for the third round of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the Ashes."
Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins on 28 October.
