🔗 Share this article English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Expresses Quiet Confidence for The Ashes Series First Test Wood has been absent from Test cricket since August 2024. England's fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "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 India series which came before was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem which sidelined him since August 2024. "It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "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 during the training camp it's been going well. 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 aiming to win their initial series win in Australia in over a decade. "Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively in the practice games and in the nets, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago. "The rehab hasn't just been a smooth process, it had its ups and downs, but I'm in a good position now where i'm hoping to kick on for that game." "I avoid making statements where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident." Australia's Fitness Concerns Meanwhile, worries for Australia regarding the health of players has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, beginning this weekend. The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since July because of lumbar bone stress in his back. "Green is unavailable for the India series having experienced mild side discomfort at training this week," the cricket board stated. "He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the Ashes." The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins on 28 October.