🔗 Share this article England's Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series Opener The bowler has been absent from Test cricket for over a year. The English pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the opening match of the Ashes series 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 India series which came before marked his comeback after an elbow problem that had kept him out since August 2024. "The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee, at times, when you think that you're just about ready, it was not just quite there." "I faced setbacks a couple of times, but in the tent [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 starts on 21 November at Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series in Australia since 2010-2011. "With luck, I'll be performing well, delivering effectively in the practice games and in net sessions, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago. "My recovery wasn't a straight curve, it's been a bit up and down, but I'm in a good position now where i'm hoping to kick on for that game." "I never want to give an answer where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I feel assured currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident." Australia's Injury Worries Meanwhile, Australia's concerns 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 against India, which starts on Sunday. Australia already have concerns over the condition 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 mild side discomfort during recent practice," the cricket board stated. "He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is expected to be back for the third round of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the series." Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins October 28th.