🔗 Share this article England's Fast Bowler Mark Wood Expresses Reserved Optimism for Ashes Opener Wood has been absent from Test cricket for over a year. England's fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" of being fit for the opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry down under. Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan last winter and had an operation on a left knee injury this spring. 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 explained. "I was unable to participate in any matches and my knee, at times, when you think that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered." "I faced setbacks on several occasions, but in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing." The opener of the Ashes starts on 21 November at Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win on Australian soil since 2010-2011. "Hopefully, I'm in form, 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 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 claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I feel assured at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful." Australian Fitness Concerns Meanwhile, worries for Australia regarding the health of players have led to all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, which starts on Sunday. Australia already have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year due to a back injury affecting his spine. "Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series having experienced low-grade side soreness during recent practice," Cricket Australia said. "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." The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start on 28 October.