🔗 Share this article English Paceman Mark Wood Expresses Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series First Test The bowler has not played a Test since August 2024. England's pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" about his fitness for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry 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 that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury which sidelined him since August 2024. "The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee, at times, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there." "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 in Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win on Australian soil since 2010-2011. "With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well in the practice games and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago. "My recovery wasn't a smooth process, it's been a bit up and down, but I'm in a good position now where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match." "I never want to give an answer claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I feel assured currently and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident." Australia's Injury Worries Meanwhile, worries for Australia regarding the health of players has resulted in player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, which starts on Sunday. The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year due to a back injury in his back. "Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series after suffering low-grade side soreness during recent practice," Cricket Australia said. "He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the series." The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start October 28th.