🔗 Share this article England's Fast Bowler Mark Wood Expresses Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series First Test Wood has been absent from Test cricket since August 2024. England's pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" 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. The Champions Trophy and India series which came before marked his comeback after an elbow problem which sidelined him for many months. "The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any matches and my knee sometimes, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it was not just quite there." "I got knocked back on several occasions, but in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing." The opener of the Ashes starts on 21 November at Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win on Australian soil in over a decade. "Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively in the practice games and in net sessions, and can make my case for the first Test," added Wood, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka over a year back. "My recovery wasn't a straight curve, it had its ups and downs, but now I'm in a better place where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match." "I avoid making statements where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident." Australia's Injury Worries At the same time, Australia's concerns over the fitness of players have led to player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, which starts on Sunday. The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year due to a back injury affecting his spine. "Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series after suffering mild side discomfort at training this week," Cricket Australia said. "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." The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins October 28th.