🔗 Share this article English Paceman Mark Wood Expresses Quiet Confidence for The Ashes Series First Test The bowler has not played a Test since August 2024. England's fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the opening match of the Ashes series down under. Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan in February and had an operation for a knee issue this spring. That tournament and tour of India that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem which sidelined him for many months. "The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any matches 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 in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and the pace is getting up there." The opener of the Ashes starts on 21 November at Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win in Australia since 2010-2011. "With luck, I'll be performing well, delivering effectively in the practice games and in the nets, and can put my hand up for the first Test," added Wood, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka over a year back. "The rehab hasn't just been a smooth process, it had its ups and downs, but I'm in a good position now and hope to push forward toward the match." "I never want to give an answer claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I feel assured at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful." Australian Fitness Concerns At the same time, worries for Australia over the fitness of players have led to player 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 skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year due to a back injury affecting his spine. "Green is unavailable for the India series having experienced low-grade side soreness during recent practice," the cricket board stated. "Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return for the third round of domestic cricket to further prepare for the series." Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start October 28th.