🔗 Share this article England's Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series Opener The bowler has been absent from Test cricket since August 2024. England's pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" of being fit for the opening match of the Ashes series down under. The cricketer has been sidelined since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery for a knee issue this spring. The Champions Trophy and tour of India which came before was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem which sidelined him since August 2024. "The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee sometimes, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered." "I got knocked back a couple of times, but during the training camp it's been going well. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing." 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, delivering effectively in the practice games and in the nets, and can make my case for the first Test," added Wood, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka over a year back. "The rehab hasn't just been a smooth process, it's been a bit up and down, but I'm in a good position now and hope to push forward for that game." "I avoid making statements where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful." Australian Injury Worries At the same time, Australia's concerns over the fitness of squad members has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, which starts on Sunday. Australia already have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress in his back. "Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series having experienced mild side discomfort at training this week," the cricket board stated. "He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is expected to be back for the third round of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the Ashes." Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start on 28 October.