🔗 Share this article England's Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series First Test The bowler has been absent from Test cricket since August 2024. The English fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the first Test of the Ashes series down under. Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan last winter and had an operation for a knee issue in March. The Champions Trophy and tour of India that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem that had kept him out since August 2024. "It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee sometimes, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it was not just quite there." "I faced setbacks a couple of times, but in the tent [training camp] it's been going well. I've had the speed gun out and the pace is getting up there." The first match of the series begins November 21st at Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series in Australia in over a decade. "With luck, I'll be performing well, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in net sessions, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, whose last Test outing was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago. "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 where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match." "I avoid making statements claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place currently and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful." Australian Injury Worries Meanwhile, worries for Australia over the fitness of squad members has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, beginning this weekend. The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine. "Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series having experienced mild side discomfort during recent practice," the cricket board stated. "Green will complete 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." The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins on 28 October.