Wood aims to return for Durham in September ahead of Ashes

Mark Wood said he hopes to return to competitive cricket for Durham in September as he steps up preparations to play a part in England's Ashes campaign in Australia this winter. The 35 year old, who has been sidelined since sustaining a knee injury at the Champions Trophy in February, told a podcast he aims to feature in one or two county Championship matches before flying out early as part of an England advance party ahead of the series opener in Perth on November 21.

Wood said the knee has improved after a period of treatment and management but that setbacks have extended his layoff. "I'm hoping to play for Durham as there are a couple of games in September so I'll try and play one or two of those," he told the Stick to Cricket podcast. He said the injury was "50/50" for England's planned fifth Test against India but that a flare up at Lord's, which required his knee to be drained, prevented that comeback. "Since then it's just been about taking things easy looking ahead to the winter," he added.

England have not yet named an Ashes squad, but Wood said there are no question marks over his inclusion and described a careful plan around his return. He outlined a rehabilitation...