🔗 Share this article England's Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series Opener Wood has been absent from Test cricket since August 2024. The English pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" of being fit for the opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry down under. Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery on a left knee injury this spring. The Champions Trophy and India series that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem which sidelined him for many months. "It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "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. I've had the speed gun out and my speed is increasing." The first match of the Ashes starts on 21 November in Perth, with England aiming to win 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 make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago. "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 never want to give an answer where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I feel assured at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident." Australia's Injury Worries Meanwhile, worries for Australia regarding the health of players have led to all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, which starts on Sunday. The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine. "Green is unavailable of the [India] series after suffering low-grade side soreness at training this week," Cricket Australia said. "Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return 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 on 28 October.