đź”— Share this article England's Paceman Mark Wood Expresses Quiet Confidence for Ashes First Test The bowler has been absent from Test cricket for over a year. The English fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia. The cricketer has been sidelined since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery for a knee issue this spring. That tournament and India series which came before was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury that had kept him out since August 2024. "It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee, at times, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered." "I got knocked back a couple of times, but in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. I've had the speed gun out and my speed is increasing." The first match of the Ashes starts on 21 November in Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series in Australia since 2010-2011. "Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively in the practice games and in the nets, and can make my case for the first Test," added Wood, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago. "My recovery wasn't 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, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I feel assured currently and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful." Australia's Fitness Concerns Meanwhile, worries for Australia regarding the health of players have led to all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, beginning this weekend. The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July due to a back injury affecting his spine. "Green is unavailable of the [India] series having experienced mild side discomfort during recent practice," the cricket board stated. "He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the Ashes." The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins on 28 October.