🔗 Share this article English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series Opener The bowler has not played a Test since August 2024. England's pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the first Test of the Ashes series down under. Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery for a knee issue in March. That tournament and tour of India which came before marked his comeback after an elbow problem that had kept him out since August 2024. "It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee sometimes, when it seemed that you're just about ready, 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 Ashes begins November 21st at Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win on Australian soil in over a decade. "Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively in the practice games and in the nets, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago. "The rehab hasn't just been a smooth process, it had its ups and downs, but I'm in a good position now and hope to push forward toward the match." "I avoid making statements where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful." Australia's Fitness Concerns At the same time, worries for Australia regarding the health of players have led to player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, which starts on Sunday. 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. "Green is unavailable 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 tracking to return to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the series." The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start on 28 October.