England's Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Quiet Confidence for Ashes First Test

The English pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the opening match of the Ashes series down under.

Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan in February and had an operation on a left knee injury this spring.

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 was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee, at times, when it seemed 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] progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."

The opener of the series starts on 21 November at Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win on Australian soil since 2010-2011.

"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in net sessions, and can make my case for the first Test," added Wood, whose last Test outing versus 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 and hope to push forward for that game."

"I never want to give an answer where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."

Australia's Injury Worries

Meanwhile, Australia's concerns over the fitness of players has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, beginning this weekend.

The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year due to a back injury affecting his spine.

"Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series after suffering low-grade side soreness during recent practice," the cricket board stated.

"He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the Ashes."

Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start October 28th.