🔗 Share this article English Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series First Test Wood has been absent from Test cricket for over a year. The English pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the first Test of the Ashes series in Australia. Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery for a knee issue this spring. The Champions Trophy and India series that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem that had kept him out since August 2024. "The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee sometimes, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there." "I got knocked back a couple of times, but during the training camp it's been going well. I've had the speed gun out and the pace is getting up there." The first match of the Ashes begins November 21st at Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win in Australia since 2010-2011. "With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well in the practice games and in the nets, and can put my hand up for the first Test," added Wood, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka over a year back. "The rehab hasn't just been a smooth process, it's been a bit up and down, but now I'm in a better place and hope to push forward toward the match." "I never want to give an answer claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I feel assured at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident." Australian Injury Worries At the same time, Australia's concerns regarding the health of players has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, which starts on Sunday. Australia already have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine. "Green is unavailable of the [India] series having experienced low-grade side soreness 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 domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the Ashes." The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins on 28 October.