🔗 Share this article England's Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for Ashes Opener Wood has been absent from Test cricket since August 2024. The English pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" of being fit for the opening match of the Ashes series in Australia. The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery on a left knee injury in March. That tournament and India series which came before marked his comeback from an elbow injury which sidelined him since August 2024. "The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee sometimes, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered." "I got knocked back a couple of times, but during the training camp it's been going well. I've had the speed gun out and the pace is getting up there." The opener of the Ashes begins November 21st at Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win in Australia 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]," Wood continued, whose last Test outing was against Sri Lanka over a year back. "My recovery wasn't a smooth process, it had its ups and downs, but now I'm in a better place and hope to push forward toward the match." "I never want to give an answer claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I feel assured currently and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident." Australian Injury Worries Meanwhile, worries for Australia regarding the health of players has resulted in player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, beginning this weekend. The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine. "Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series having experienced mild side discomfort during recent practice," Cricket Australia said. "Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back to play in round three of domestic cricket to further prepare for the series." Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins on 28 October.