England's Paceman Mark Wood Expresses Quiet Confidence for Ashes Opener
Wood has been absent from Test cricket for over a year.
England's fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry down under.
Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan in February and had an operation for a knee issue in March.
The Champions Trophy and India series that preceded it marked his comeback after an elbow problem which sidelined him for many months.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any cricket 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] it's been going well. We've used the radar gun and the pace is getting up there."
The first match of the series starts on 21 November at Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series on Australian soil since 2010-2011.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well in the practice games and in net sessions, and can make my case for the first Test," added Wood, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka over a year back.
"My recovery wasn't a smooth process, it had its ups and downs, but now I'm in a better place and hope to push forward toward the match."
"I avoid making statements where I say, '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."
Australian Injury Worries
At the same time, Australia's concerns over the fitness of players has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, beginning this weekend.
The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year due to a back injury in his back.
"Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series having experienced low-grade side soreness during recent practice," Cricket Australia said.
"Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return for the third round of domestic cricket to further prepare for the Ashes."
The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start on 28 October.