🔗 Share this article England's Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series Opener The bowler has not played a Test since August 2024. The English pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" of being fit for the first Test of the Ashes series in Australia. The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss 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 that had kept him out for many months. "The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee, at times, when you think I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there." "I faced setbacks on several occasions, but in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. I've had the speed gun out 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 in over a decade. "With luck, I'll be performing well, delivering effectively in the practice games and in the nets, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka over a year back. "My recovery wasn't a straight curve, it's been a bit up and down, but now I'm in a better place where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match." "I never want to give an answer claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I feel assured currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident." Australian Injury Worries Meanwhile, worries for Australia over the fitness of squad members has resulted in player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, beginning this weekend. The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since July because of lumbar bone stress in his back. "Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series having experienced low-grade side soreness at training this week," Cricket Australia said. "Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return to play in round three of domestic cricket to further prepare for the series." The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins on 28 October.