England's Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Quiet Confidence for The Ashes Series First Test
Wood has not played a Test for over a year.
The English pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the opening match of the Ashes series in Australia.
Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan last winter and had an operation on a left knee injury in March.
The Champions Trophy and India series that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem that had kept him out for many months.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any matches 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. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."
The opener 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 make my case for the first Test," Wood continued, whose last Test outing was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago.
"My recovery wasn't 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 ready'. I'm in a confident place currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident."
Australian Injury Worries
At the same time, Australia's concerns regarding the health of players have led to player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, which starts on Sunday.
The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since July due to a back injury 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 short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back to play in round three of domestic cricket to further prepare for the Ashes."
Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins on 28 October.
