🔗 Share this article England's Paceman Mark Wood Expresses Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series Opener The bowler has not played a Test since August 2024. The English pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" 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 last winter and underwent surgery on a left knee injury in March. The Champions Trophy and tour of India that preceded it marked his comeback after an elbow problem which sidelined him since August 2024. "The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any matches and my knee, at times, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there." "I got knocked back on several occasions, but during the training camp progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing." The first match of the series 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 the nets, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka over a year back. "The rehab hasn't just been a straight curve, it's been a bit up and down, but now I'm in a better place and hope to push forward toward the match." "I avoid making statements where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I feel assured currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident." Australia's Fitness Concerns At the same time, worries for Australia over the fitness of squad members has resulted in player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, beginning this weekend. Australia already have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played 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 at training this week," the cricket board stated. "He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back for the third round of domestic cricket to further prepare for the Ashes." Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins October 28th.