🔗 Share this article English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Quiet Confidence for The Ashes Series Opener The bowler has been absent from Test cricket for over a year. England's 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 since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery on a left knee injury in March. The Champions Trophy and India series which came before marked his comeback after an elbow problem which sidelined him for many months. "It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee sometimes, when you think that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered." "I faced setbacks a couple of times, but during the training camp progress has been positive. I've had the speed gun out and my speed is increasing." The opener of the series begins November 21st in Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series in Australia since 2010-2011. "With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well during warm-up matches and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for the first Test," added Wood, who last played a Test 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 where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match." "I avoid making statements where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place currently and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident." Australia's Fitness Concerns At the same time, worries for Australia regarding the health of players have led to player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, which starts on Sunday. The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress in his back. "Green is unavailable for the India series after suffering low-grade side soreness during recent practice," Cricket Australia said. "He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is expected to be back to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the Ashes." The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start October 28th.