đź”— Share this article English Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series Opener Wood has not played a Test for over a year. The English pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the opening match of the Ashes series in Australia. 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 was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem which sidelined him since August 2024. "The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee, at times, when you think that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered." "I got knocked back on several occasions, but in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing." The first match of the Ashes begins November 21st in Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series in Australia in over a decade. "With luck, I'll be performing well, delivering effectively in the practice games and in the nets, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago. "My recovery wasn't a smooth process, it's been a bit up and down, but I'm in a good position now and hope to push forward toward the match." "I avoid making statements where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I feel assured at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful." Australian Fitness Concerns Meanwhile, worries for Australia over the fitness of squad members have led to player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day 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 due to a back injury in his back. "Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series after suffering low-grade side soreness at training this week," Cricket Australia said. "He will undergo 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." The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start October 28th.