England's Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Quiet Confidence for The Ashes Series First Test
The bowler has been absent from Test cricket for over a year.
The English pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry down under.
Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan in February and had an operation for a knee issue this spring.
That tournament and tour of India which came before marked his comeback from an elbow injury that had kept him out for many months.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any matches and my knee, at times, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it was not just quite there."
"I faced setbacks a couple of times, 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 in Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win in Australia since 2010-2011.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well during warm-up matches and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for the first Test," added Wood, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago.
"My recovery wasn't a smooth process, it's been a bit up and down, but now I'm in a better place where i'm hoping to kick on for that game."
"I never want to give an answer claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident."
Australia's Injury Worries
Meanwhile, Australia's concerns regarding the health of players have led to player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, which starts on Sunday.
Australia already have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July due to a back injury in his back.
"Green is unavailable of the [India] series having experienced low-grade side soreness at training this week," the cricket board stated.
"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the series."
The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins on 28 October.
