English Paceman Mark Wood Expresses Quiet Confidence for The Ashes Series First Test
The bowler has not played a Test for over a year.
England's pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry down under.
Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery for a knee issue in March.
The Champions Trophy 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 stated. "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 got knocked back a couple of times, but during the training camp progress has been positive. I've had the speed gun out and the pace is getting up there."
The opener of the series starts on 21 November at Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series in Australia since 2010-2011.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well during warm-up matches and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago.
"My recovery wasn't a straight curve, 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 claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident."
Australia's Fitness Concerns
Meanwhile, Australia's concerns over the fitness of squad members have led to player Cameron Green being replaced by 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's been absent since July due to a back injury affecting his spine.
"Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series after suffering low-grade side soreness during recent practice," the cricket board stated.
"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the Ashes."
Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins on 28 October.