Andrew Strauss believes fit-again Mark Wood may be able to put himself back in the frame for this summer's Champions Trophy.
Fast bowler Wood has undergone two operations on his left ankle, and last played for England six months ago during a short-lived comeback in the one-day international series at home to Pakistan.
The 27-year-old has been back in action over the past week, however, in the inaugural North-South series in the United Arab Emirates - where England and Wales Cricket Board director Strauss has been among the interested spectators.
England's selectors are out to spot players with potential, in the three-match series, to figure in the 2019 World Cup or even in the Champions Trophy.
Strauss spoke of some "really top-quality performances" and name-checked South centurions Dawid Malan and Sam Northeast - adding that although "one or two places" may still be available this summer, the series is designed chiefly to identify those with potential for 2019.
More immediately, England must submit their provisional 15-man Champions Trophy squad to the International Cricket Council by May 1 - and after watching Wood bowl in two of the three matches over five days, Strauss is encouraged by his progress.
"I think he has got a chance, absolutely," he told Sky Sports News.
"No one wants to push him too hard, (but) we hope he'll be fit enough to be put forward for selection (this summer).
"I'm really pleased to see him on the park again."
England are also hoping Wood can add at some point to his eight Test caps - with series at home to South Africa and West Indies before next winter's Ashes in Australia.
Strauss added: "He's had a pretty arduous journey . and it was incredibly disappointing for him to have to go under the knife again.
"To see him with a smile on his face, racing in . that's really encouraging."
Source: PA
