🔗 Share this article English Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series Opener Wood has been absent from Test cricket since August 2024. The English pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry down under. The cricketer has been sidelined since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan last winter and had an operation on a left knee injury this spring. That tournament and India series which came before marked his comeback after an elbow problem that had kept him out for many months. "The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee, at times, 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] it's been going well. We've used the radar gun and the pace is getting up there." The first match of the Ashes starts on 21 November in Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win on Australian soil since 2010-2011. "With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can put my hand up for the first Test," Wood continued, 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 toward the match." "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 Meanwhile, Australia's concerns over the fitness of squad members have led to all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, which starts on Sunday. The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July due to a back injury affecting his spine. "Green is unavailable for the India series after suffering mild side discomfort during recent practice," the cricket board stated. "Green will complete a brief rehab stint 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 on 28 October.