England's Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for Ashes First Test
Wood has not played a Test for over a year.
England's fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" of being fit 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 had an operation for a knee issue this spring.
That tournament and India series 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 sometimes, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I got knocked back on several occasions, but during the training camp it's been going well. I've had the speed gun out and my speed is increasing."
The first match of the Ashes begins November 21st at Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win in Australia since 2010-2011.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can put my hand up for the first Test," added Wood, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka over a year back.
"My recovery wasn't a straight curve, it had its ups and downs, but I'm in a good position now where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match."
"I avoid making statements where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australian Injury Worries
Meanwhile, worries for Australia regarding the health of squad members has resulted in player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, beginning this weekend.
Australia already have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.
"Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series having experienced mild side discomfort during recent practice," Cricket Australia said.
"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return for the third round of domestic cricket to further prepare for the series."
The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins on 28 October.
