English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series First Test
Wood has been absent from Test cricket for over a year.
The English fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" about his fitness for the opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry down under.
Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan in February and had an operation on a left knee injury in March.
The Champions Trophy and tour of India which came before marked his comeback from an elbow injury that had kept him out for many months.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee sometimes, when it seemed 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. We've used the radar gun and the pace is getting up there."
The opener of the series begins November 21st in Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series on Australian soil in over a decade.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively in the practice games and in net sessions, 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's been a bit up and down, but I'm in a good position now and hope to push forward toward the match."
"I avoid making statements where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."
Australia's Fitness Concerns
Meanwhile, Australia's concerns regarding the health of players has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, beginning this weekend.
Australia already have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year due to a back injury in his back.
"Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series after suffering 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 series."
Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins October 28th.