🔗 Share this article English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Expresses Quiet Confidence for Ashes Opener Wood has been absent from Test cricket for over a year. England's pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the first Test of the Ashes series down under. The cricketer has been sidelined since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery on a left knee injury in March. That tournament and India series which came before was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem that had kept him out since August 2024. "The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee sometimes, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it was not just quite there." "I got knocked back a couple of times, but during the 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 seeking victory in their first Test series on Australian soil in over a decade. "Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well in the practice games and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, whose last Test outing was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago. "My recovery wasn't a straight curve, it had its ups and downs, but I'm in a good position now and hope to push forward for that game." "I never want to give an answer claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place currently and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful." Australia's Injury Worries Meanwhile, worries for Australia regarding the health of squad members has resulted in player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, beginning this weekend. Australia already have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress in his back. "Green is unavailable of 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 expected to be back to play in round three of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the series." Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start on 28 October.