🔗 Share this article English Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for Ashes First Test The bowler has been absent from Test cricket since August 2024. England's pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" of being fit for the opening match of the Ashes series down under. Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery on a left knee injury this spring. The Champions Trophy and India series which came before marked his comeback from an elbow injury which sidelined him 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 wasn't fully recovered." "I got knocked back on several occasions, but in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. I've had the speed gun out and my speed is increasing." The opener of the Ashes starts on 21 November at Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win in Australia in over a decade. "With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well in the practice games and in the nets, and can make my case for the first Test," Wood continued, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka over a year back. "My recovery wasn't a straight curve, it's been a bit up and down, but now I'm in a better place and hope to push forward toward the match." "I avoid making statements where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I feel assured at the minute and more optimistic, 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 against India, beginning this weekend. The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine. "Green is unavailable of the [India] series having experienced 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 domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the Ashes." Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins on 28 October.