English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Quiet Confidence for Ashes 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" about his fitness for the first Test of the Ashes series down under.
Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery for a knee issue this spring.
That tournament and tour of India 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 you think I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there."
"I faced setbacks a couple of times, but in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and the pace is getting up there."
The first match of the series starts on 21 November at Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win on Australian soil in over a decade.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well in the practice games and in the nets, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, 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 where i'm hoping to kick on for that game."
"I avoid making statements where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. 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 squad members has resulted in player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, beginning this weekend.
Australia already have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year due to a back injury affecting his spine.
"Green is unavailable for the India series after suffering mild side discomfort during recent practice," Cricket Australia said.
"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the series."
The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins October 28th.
