đź”— Share this article England's Paceman Mark Wood Expresses Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series Opener The bowler has been absent from Test cricket for over a year. The English fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" about his fitness for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia. Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan in February and had an operation on a left knee injury in March. The Champions Trophy and India series that preceded it marked his comeback 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 matches and my knee, at times, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it was not just quite there." "I got knocked back on several occasions, but during the training camp it's been going well. I've had the speed gun out and my speed is increasing." The first match of the Ashes starts on 21 November at Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win on Australian soil in over a decade. "Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for the first Test," added Wood, who last played a Test was against 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 and hope to push forward toward the match." "I avoid making statements where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place currently and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful." Australian Injury Worries Meanwhile, Australia's concerns regarding the health of squad members has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI 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 in his back. "Green is unavailable of the [India] series after suffering mild side discomfort during recent practice," Cricket Australia said. "He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return to play in round three of domestic cricket to further prepare for the Ashes." The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start October 28th.