🔗 Share this article English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Expresses Reserved Optimism for Ashes Opener The bowler has been absent from Test cricket since August 2024. England's pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" of being fit for the opening match of the Ashes series down under. The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery for a knee issue in March. That tournament and tour of India that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem which sidelined him for many months. "It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee, at times, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered." "I faced setbacks a couple of times, but during the training camp progress has been positive. I've had the speed gun out and my speed is increasing." The first match of the Ashes starts on 21 November in Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win on Australian soil since 2010-2011. "Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, whose last Test outing was against Sri Lanka over a year back. "The rehab hasn't just been 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 never want to give an answer claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place currently and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful." Australia's Fitness Concerns At the same time, worries for Australia regarding the health of players has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, beginning this weekend. Australia already have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since July due to a back injury in his back. "Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series after suffering low-grade side soreness at training this week," Cricket Australia said. "Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the Ashes." The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start on 28 October.