🔗 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" about his fitness for the first Test of the Ashes series down under. Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery on a left knee injury this spring. That tournament and tour of India which came before was the 35-year-old's return 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 sometimes, 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] it's been going well. I've had the speed gun out and my speed is increasing." The first match of the Ashes starts on 21 November at Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series on Australian soil in over a decade. "With luck, I'll be performing well, 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 versus Sri Lanka over a year back. "The rehab hasn't just been a smooth process, it's been a bit up and down, but I'm in a good position now and hope to push forward for that game." "I never want to give an answer where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I feel assured at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident." Australia's Injury Worries Meanwhile, worries for Australia regarding the health of squad members have led to player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, which starts on Sunday. Australia already have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July because of lumbar bone stress in his back. "Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series after suffering mild side discomfort during recent practice," Cricket Australia said. "Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is expected to be back for the third round of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the series." The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start October 28th.