🔗 Share this article English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Expresses Quiet Confidence for The Ashes Series First Test The bowler has been absent from Test cricket since August 2024. England's fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the opening match of the Ashes series down under. Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery on a left knee injury this spring. The Champions Trophy and India series that preceded it marked his comeback after an elbow problem that had kept him out for many months. "The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any matches and my knee sometimes, when you think I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered." "I got knocked back a couple of times, but during the training camp progress has been positive. I've had the speed gun out and the pace is getting up there." The opener of the series starts on 21 November in Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win in Australia in over a decade. "With luck, I'll be performing well, delivering effectively in the practice games and in net sessions, and can make my case for the first Test," added Wood, whose last Test outing was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago. "My recovery wasn't a straight curve, it's been a bit up and down, but I'm in a good position now where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match." "I never want to give an answer claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I feel assured currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident." Australian 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 three-match one-day series with India, beginning this weekend. The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year due to a back injury in his back. "Green is unavailable for the India series after suffering mild side discomfort during recent practice," Cricket Australia said. "He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the Ashes." Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start on 28 October.