English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for Ashes First Test
The bowler has been absent from Test cricket for over a year.
England's fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" of being fit for the opening match of the Ashes series in Australia.
The cricketer has been sidelined since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan in February and had an operation for a knee issue this spring.
That tournament and India series that preceded it marked his comeback after an elbow problem that had kept him out for many months.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee sometimes, when you think I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I faced setbacks a couple of times, but during the training camp it's been going well. I've had the speed gun out and the pace is getting up there."
The first match of the series starts on 21 November at Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series in Australia since 2010-2011.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, delivering effectively in the practice games and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago.
"The rehab hasn't just been a straight curve, it's been a bit up and down, but now I'm in a better place and hope to push forward toward the match."
"I never want to give an answer where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I feel assured at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident."
Australia's Fitness Concerns
At the same time, Australia's concerns regarding the health of players has resulted in player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, which starts on Sunday.
The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year due to a back injury in his back.
"Green is unavailable of the [India] series having experienced low-grade side soreness at training this week," the cricket board stated.
"Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back to play in round three of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the Ashes."
The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start October 28th.
