🔗 Share this article England's Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series First Test Wood has been absent from Test cricket for over a year. England's 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 since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery on a left knee injury this spring. That tournament and tour of India that preceded it marked his comeback from an elbow injury that had kept him out since August 2024. "The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee, at times, when you think that you're just about ready, it was not just quite there." "I faced setbacks on several occasions, but during the training camp it's been going well. We've used the radar gun and the pace is getting up there." The opener of the Ashes begins November 21st at Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win on Australian soil since 2010-2011. "With luck, I'll be performing well, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago. "The rehab hasn't just been 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 never want to give an answer where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful." Australia's Fitness Concerns Meanwhile, worries for Australia regarding the health of squad members have led to all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, beginning this weekend. Australia already have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year due to a back injury affecting his spine. "Green is unavailable for the India series after suffering mild side discomfort during recent practice," Cricket Australia said. "Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the series." The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start on 28 October.