đź”— Share this article England's Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series First Test Wood has not played a Test since August 2024. The English fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the opening match of the Ashes series down under. Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan in February and had an operation on a left knee injury this spring. That tournament and India series that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury which sidelined him since August 2024. "It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee, at times, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered." "I faced setbacks on several occasions, but during the training camp progress has been positive. I've had the speed gun out and my speed is increasing." The first match of the series starts on 21 November at Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series on Australian soil in over a decade. "Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively in the practice games and in net sessions, and can make my case for the first Test," added Wood, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago. "My recovery wasn't a smooth process, it had its ups and downs, but I'm in a good position now where i'm hoping to kick on for that game." "I avoid making statements claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I feel assured at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful." Australian Fitness Concerns Meanwhile, Australia's concerns regarding the health of squad members has resulted in player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, which starts on Sunday. The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year due to a back injury affecting his spine. "Green is unavailable of the [India] series after suffering low-grade side soreness at training this week," the cricket board stated. "He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is expected to be back for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the Ashes." Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins October 28th.