English Paceman Mark Wood Expresses Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series Opener
Wood has been absent from Test cricket for over a year.
The English fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry down under.
Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery on a left knee injury this spring.
That tournament and tour of India which came before 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 explained. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee, at times, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I faced setbacks a couple of times, but during the training camp progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and the pace is getting up there."
The opener of the series begins November 21st at Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win on Australian soil since 2010-2011.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in net sessions, and can make my case for the first Test," Wood continued, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka over a year back.
"The rehab hasn't just been a straight curve, it's been a bit up and down, but I'm in a good position now and hope to push forward for that game."
"I never want to give an answer where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australian Fitness Concerns
At the same time, Australia's concerns over the fitness of players has resulted in player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, which starts on Sunday.
Australia already have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.
"Green is unavailable of the [India] series after suffering mild side discomfort during recent practice," Cricket Australia said.
"He will undergo 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 Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins October 28th.
