England's Fast Bowler Mark Wood Expresses Reserved Optimism for Ashes First Test
Wood has been absent from Test cricket for over a year.
The English pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" of being fit for the first Test of the Ashes series in Australia.
Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan in February 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 which sidelined him for many months.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any matches and my knee sometimes, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I faced setbacks a couple of times, but in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. I've had the speed gun out and the pace is getting up there."
The first match of the series starts on 21 November at Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win in Australia since 2010-2011.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, delivering effectively in the practice games and in the nets, and can put my hand up for the first Test," added Wood, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago.
"The rehab hasn't just been a smooth process, it had its ups and downs, but I'm in a good position now where i'm hoping to kick on for that game."
"I avoid making statements claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident."
Australia's Fitness Concerns
At the same time, Australia's concerns regarding the health of squad members has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against 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.
"He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return for the third round of domestic cricket to further prepare for the series."
Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start on 28 October.