England's Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Quiet Confidence for Ashes First Test
Wood has been absent from Test cricket for over a year.
The English fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia.
Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan in February and had an operation for a knee issue this spring.
That tournament and India series that preceded it 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 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. I've had the speed gun out and the pace is getting up there."
The first match of the Ashes starts on 21 November at Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series on Australian soil in over a decade.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can put my hand up for the first Test," added Wood, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka over a year back.
"The rehab hasn't just been 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 where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I feel assured currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident."
Australia's Injury Worries
Meanwhile, Australia's concerns regarding the health of squad members have led to all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, which starts on Sunday.
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.
"Green is unavailable of the [India] series having experienced low-grade side soreness at training this week," Cricket Australia said.
"Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the Ashes."
The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start on 28 October.