England's Paceman Mark Wood Expresses Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series First Test
Wood has been absent from Test cricket for over a year.
The English fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia.
The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan in February and had an operation on a left knee injury this spring.
That tournament and tour of India which came before was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem which sidelined him for many months.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee sometimes, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I got knocked back on several occasions, but during the training camp progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and the pace is getting up there."
The first match of the Ashes starts on 21 November in Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win on Australian soil since 2010-2011.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well in the practice games and in the nets, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka over a year back.
"My recovery wasn't a straight curve, it's been a bit up and down, but I'm in a good position now where i'm hoping to kick on for that game."
"I never want to give an answer where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I feel assured at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australian Injury Worries
At the same time, Australia's concerns regarding the health of players has resulted in player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, which starts on Sunday.
Australia already have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year due to a back injury in his back.
"Green is unavailable for the India series after suffering 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 domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the Ashes."
The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins on 28 October.