England's Paceman Mark Wood Expresses Quiet Confidence for The Ashes Series First Test
The bowler has been absent from Test cricket for over a year.
England's fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" of being fit for the opening match of the Ashes series down under.
Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery for a knee issue this spring.
The Champions Trophy and India series which came before was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury 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 it seemed that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I got knocked back on several occasions, but in the tent [training camp] it's been going well. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."
The first match of the Ashes starts on 21 November in Perth, with England seeking victory in 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 make my case 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 for that game."
"I avoid making statements where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I feel assured currently and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australian Fitness Concerns
At the same time, worries for Australia over the fitness of players have led to all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, which starts on Sunday.
The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.
"Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series after suffering low-grade side soreness during recent practice," the cricket board stated.
"He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the Ashes."
Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins on 28 October.
