đź”— Share this article England's Paceman Mark Wood Expresses Quiet Confidence for The Ashes Series First Test The bowler has been absent from Test cricket since August 2024. The English fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the opening match of the Ashes series in Australia. Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan last winter and had an operation for a knee issue this spring. The Champions Trophy and tour of India that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury that had kept him out since August 2024. "It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "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 faced setbacks a couple of times, but during the training camp progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing." The first match 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 net sessions, and can make my case for the first Test," added Wood, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago. "My recovery wasn't a straight curve, it's been a bit up and down, but now I'm in a better place where i'm hoping to kick on for that game." "I avoid making statements where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place currently and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident." Australian Fitness Concerns Meanwhile, Australia's concerns regarding the health of players has resulted in 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's been absent since July because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine. "Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series after suffering mild side discomfort during recent practice," Cricket Australia said. "Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the Ashes." Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start October 28th.