đź”— Share this article English Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Quiet Confidence for Ashes Opener The bowler has not played a Test for over a year. The English pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the opening match of the Ashes series down under. The cricketer has been sidelined since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery for a knee issue in March. That tournament and India series that preceded it marked his comeback from an elbow injury 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, at times, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered." "I faced setbacks on several occasions, but during the training camp progress has been positive. I've had the speed gun out and my speed is increasing." The first match of the Ashes starts on 21 November in Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win on Australian soil since 2010-2011. "Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can make my case for the first Test," added Wood, who last played a Test versus 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 for that game." "I never want to give an answer where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place currently and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident." Australian Injury Worries At the same time, Australia's concerns regarding the health of squad members has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, beginning this weekend. The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress in his back. "Green is unavailable for the India series having experienced mild side discomfort at training this week," Cricket Australia said. "Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return to play in round three of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the Ashes." The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins October 28th.