Mark Wood targets Durham return in build-up to Ashes

England fast bowler Mark Wood is set to make his competitive return to action for Durham in the County Championship next month as he steps up his rehabilitation from knee surgery ahead of this winter's Ashes.

- 

Wood has been out of action for the last six months following an operation to his left knee to repair medial ligament damage that was exacerbated during the Champions Trophy. Though a success, the initial recovery time of four months proved to be optimistic, with Wood missing the entirety of England's Test series against India, having initially earmarked the fifth Test at the Kia Oval for a return.

The 35-year-old had been with the squad during that series but suffered a minor setback while training at Lord's ahead of the third Test, which required fluid to be drained from his left knee, delaying his return. He was then pencilled in to feature in England's white-ball fixtures in September, against South Africa and Ireland, but was subsequently left out of those squads.

Durham are currently battling relegation, sitting ninth in Division One after promotion last season.

Their destiny remains in their hands with the last three rounds against other teams fighting the drop, against Essex (September 8), Worcestershire (September 15) who are adrift at the bottom, and Yorkshire (September 24).