🔗 Share this article English Paceman Mark Wood Expresses Quiet Confidence for Ashes First Test The bowler has not played a Test for over a year. 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. Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan last winter and had an operation for a knee issue in March. That tournament and tour of India which came before was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem that had kept him out for many months. "It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee, at times, when you think that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered." "I got knocked back a couple of times, but in the tent [training camp] it's been going well. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing." The opener of the Ashes starts on 21 November at 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 during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, 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 I'm in a good position now where i'm hoping to kick on for that game." "I avoid making statements claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I feel assured currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident." Australia's Injury Worries Meanwhile, Australia's concerns over the fitness of squad members has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, which starts on Sunday. Australia already have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July due to a back injury in his back. "Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series after suffering low-grade side soreness at training this week," the cricket board stated. "He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the series." Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins October 28th.