🔗 Share this article English Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Quiet Confidence for Ashes First Test Wood has not played a Test since August 2024. England's fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the opening match of the Ashes series in Australia. Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan in February and had an operation for a knee issue this spring. The Champions Trophy and tour of India which came before marked his comeback from an elbow injury which sidelined him for many months. "The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any matches and my knee, at times, when you think I was nearly fit, 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 series begins November 21st at Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win in Australia since 2010-2011. "Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively in the practice games and in net sessions, and can make my case for the first Test," Wood continued, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka over a year back. "My recovery wasn't a smooth process, it's been a bit up and down, 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 feel assured currently and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful." Australia's Fitness Concerns At the same time, Australia's concerns regarding the health of squad members has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, beginning this weekend. The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine. "Green is unavailable of the [India] series after suffering low-grade side soreness at training this week," 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 series." Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins on 28 October.