🔗 Share this article English Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for Ashes Opener The bowler has been absent from Test cricket for over a year. The English fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" about his fitness for the opening match of the Ashes series in Australia. The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan in February and had an operation on a left knee injury this spring. That tournament and India series that preceded it marked his comeback from an elbow injury that had kept him out for many months. "It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee sometimes, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered." "I got knocked back on several occasions, but during the training camp it's been going well. I've had the speed gun out and my speed is increasing." The opener of the Ashes begins November 21st at Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series on Australian soil since 2010-2011. "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 was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago. "My recovery wasn't a smooth process, it had its ups and downs, but now I'm in a better place where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match." "I never want to give an answer where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I feel assured at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident." Australia's Fitness Concerns At the same time, Australia's concerns regarding the health of players have led to all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, beginning this weekend. Australia already have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since July because of lumbar bone stress in his back. "Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series after suffering mild side discomfort during recent practice," the cricket board stated. "Green will complete 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 Ashes." Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start on 28 October.