🔗 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 pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry 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 from an elbow injury that had kept him out since August 2024. "The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any matches and my knee sometimes, when you think that you're just about ready, it was not just quite there." "I faced setbacks on several occasions, but in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing." The first match of the Ashes begins November 21st in Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series on Australian soil since 2010-2011. "Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well during warm-up matches and in net sessions, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka over a year back. "The rehab hasn't just been a smooth process, it had its ups and downs, but now I'm in a better place where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match." "I never want to give an answer claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place currently and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful." Australia's Fitness Concerns Meanwhile, worries for Australia regarding the health 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. Australia already have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year due to a back injury affecting his spine. "Green is unavailable of the [India] series having experienced low-grade side soreness at training this week," Cricket Australia said. "Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return for the third round of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the Ashes." The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start on 28 October.