🔗 Share this article English Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series Opener Wood has been absent from Test cricket since August 2024. The English fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the first Test of the Ashes series down under. The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan in February and had an operation on a left knee injury in March. That tournament and India series which came before marked his comeback after an elbow problem which sidelined him since August 2024. "It was a frustrating summer," 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 wasn't fully recovered." "I faced setbacks on several occasions, but during the training camp it's been going well. I've had the speed gun out and my speed is increasing." The first match of the Ashes begins November 21st at Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series on Australian soil since 2010-2011. "Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well 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 now I'm in a better place and hope to push forward for that game." "I never want to give an answer claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I feel assured at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident." Australia's Injury Worries At the same time, Australia's concerns over the fitness of players has resulted in player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, which starts on Sunday. The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July due to a back injury affecting his spine. "Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series having experienced low-grade side soreness during recent practice," Cricket Australia said. "He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is expected to be back for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the series." Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start October 28th.