English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Expresses Reserved Optimism for Ashes First Test
The bowler has not played a Test for over a year.
The English fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the opening match of the Ashes series down under.
Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan last winter and had an operation on a left knee injury in March.
The Champions Trophy and India series that preceded it marked his comeback after an elbow problem which sidelined him 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 got knocked back on several occasions, 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 first match of the Ashes begins November 21st in Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series in Australia in over a decade.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively in the practice games and in the nets, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, whose last Test outing was against Sri Lanka over a year back.
"My recovery wasn't a smooth process, it had its ups and downs, but I'm in a good position now and hope to push forward for that game."
"I never want to give an answer claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australian Injury Worries
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 against India, which starts on Sunday.
The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress in his back.
"Green is unavailable for the India series having experienced mild side discomfort at training this week," Cricket Australia said.
"He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation 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 October 28th.
