London, Aug. 28 -- England fast bowler Mark Wood is hoping a county return next monthwill help him prove his fitness for the eagerly-awaited Ashes tour at the end of the year.
Wood hasn't played a Test match for England since August last year and is only returning to full fitness from the knee injury he picked up at the ICC Champions Trophy event in February.
The experienced quick revealed he was close to making an appearance for the final match ofEngland's recent home Test series against India, but a setback at training pushed back his return.
"The injury is all right," Wood said on the Stick to Cricket podcast.
"It was 50-50 whether I was going to make the India Test but I was bowling at Lord's and then, the next day, my knee swelled ...