England's Paceman Mark Wood Expresses Reserved Optimism for Ashes 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 down under.
The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan in February and had an operation on a left knee injury in March.
That tournament and India series which came before was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury which sidelined him 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 in the tent [training camp] it's been going well. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."
The opener of the Ashes starts on 21 November at Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series in Australia since 2010-2011.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well in the practice games and in the nets, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago.
"The rehab hasn't just been a straight curve, it's been a bit up and down, but now I'm in a better place where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match."
"I never want to give an answer where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australian Injury Worries
At the same time, worries for Australia 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, beginning this weekend.
Australia already have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since July because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.
"Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series having experienced low-grade side soreness at training this week," the cricket board stated.
"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 series."
Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins on 28 October.