🔗 Share this article English Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series First Test The bowler has not played a Test since August 2024. The English fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" of being fit for the opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry down under. The cricketer has been sidelined since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery on a left knee injury this spring. The Champions Trophy and tour of India that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem that had kept him out for many months. "The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee sometimes, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered." "I got knocked back on several occasions, 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 series 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, bowling well in the practice games and in the nets, and can make my case for the first Test," added Wood, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago. "The rehab hasn't just been 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 where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I feel assured at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident." Australian Injury Worries At the same time, worries for Australia over the fitness of squad members have led to all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, which starts on Sunday. The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year due to a back injury 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 tracking to return to play in round three of domestic cricket to further prepare for the Ashes." The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start October 28th.