🔗 Share this article England's Paceman Mark Wood Expresses Quiet Confidence for Ashes First Test The bowler has not played a Test for over a year. England's pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the first Test of the Ashes series down under. Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery on a left knee injury in March. The Champions Trophy and tour of India that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem which sidelined him since August 2024. "It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee sometimes, when you think I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there." "I faced setbacks a couple of times, but in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing." The opener of the series starts on 21 November in Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series 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]," added Wood, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago. "My recovery wasn't a smooth process, it's been a bit up and down, but now I'm in a better place where i'm hoping to kick on for that game." "I never want to give an answer claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I feel assured currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident." Australia's Fitness Concerns At the same time, Australia's concerns regarding the health of squad members has resulted in player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, beginning this weekend. The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since July due to a back injury in his back. "Green is unavailable of the [India] series having experienced mild side discomfort during recent practice," Cricket Australia said. "Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation 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.