England's Paceman Mark Wood Expresses Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series First Test
Wood has not played a Test for over a year.
England's fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the opening match of the Ashes series in Australia.
The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan last winter and had an operation for a knee issue in March.
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 was unable to participate in any matches and my knee sometimes, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there."
"I faced setbacks a couple of times, but in the tent [training camp] it's been going well. We've used the radar gun and the pace is getting up there."
The opener of the Ashes starts on 21 November in Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win on Australian soil since 2010-2011.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively in the practice games and in the nets, and can make my case for the first Test," Wood continued, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka over a year back.
"My recovery wasn't 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'm in a confident place at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australian Fitness Concerns
Meanwhile, worries for Australia regarding the health of squad members has resulted in player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, beginning this weekend.
Australia already have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since July due to a back injury in his back.
"Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series after suffering low-grade side soreness during recent practice," the cricket board stated.
"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return to play in round three of domestic cricket to further prepare for the Ashes."
Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start on 28 October.
