🔗 Share this article English Paceman Mark Wood Expresses Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series Opener The bowler has been absent from Test cricket for over a year. The English fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" about his fitness for the opening match of the Ashes series in Australia. The cricketer has been sidelined since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery for a knee issue in March. The Champions Trophy and tour of India which came before was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury which sidelined him since August 2024. "The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any cricket 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 opener of the series starts on 21 November in Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win on Australian soil since 2010-2011. "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 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 toward the match." "I avoid making statements claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I feel assured at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful." Australia's Injury Worries Meanwhile, worries for Australia over the fitness of squad members have led to player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day 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 in his back. "Green is unavailable of the [India] series after suffering low-grade side soreness during recent practice," the cricket board stated. "He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return for the third round of domestic cricket to further prepare for the series." Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start on 28 October.