đź”— Share this article England's Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series Opener The bowler 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 last winter and had an operation for a knee issue in March. The Champions Trophy and tour of India which came before marked his comeback after an elbow problem which sidelined him since August 2024. "The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee, at times, when you think I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there." "I got knocked back a couple of times, but during the training camp it's been going well. We've used the radar gun and the pace is getting up there." The opener of the series begins November 21st at Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win in Australia in over a decade. "Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively in the practice games and in net sessions, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago. "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 claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I feel assured currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident." Australian Fitness Concerns Meanwhile, Australia's concerns over the fitness of players has resulted in player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, beginning this weekend. Australia already have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year due to a back injury in his back. "Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series having experienced low-grade side soreness during recent practice," the cricket board stated. "Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the Ashes." The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins on 28 October.