🔗 Share this article England's Fast Bowler Mark Wood Expresses Quiet Confidence for The Ashes Series First Test Wood has not played a Test for over a year. The English pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the opening match of the Ashes series down under. Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan in February 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 which sidelined him for many months. "It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee, at times, when you think that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered." "I got knocked back 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 Ashes begins November 21st in Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series in Australia since 2010-2011. "Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can put my hand up for the first Test," Wood continued, 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 avoid making statements where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I feel assured at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful." Australia's Fitness Concerns Meanwhile, Australia's concerns regarding the health of squad members have led to player 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 captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year due to a back injury in his back. "Green is unavailable of the [India] series after suffering mild side discomfort 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 domestic cricket to further prepare for the series." Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start October 28th.