🔗 Share this article England's Fast Bowler Mark Wood Expresses Reserved Optimism for Ashes Opener Wood has not played a Test for over a year. The English fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the opening match of the Ashes series in Australia. The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery for a knee issue this spring. That tournament and India series that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem which sidelined him for many months. "The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee sometimes, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered." "I faced setbacks on several occasions, but during the training camp progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and the pace is getting up there." The first match of the series starts on 21 November at 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 that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka over a year back. "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 for that game." "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 quietly confident." Australian Injury Worries Meanwhile, worries for Australia regarding the health of players have led to player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, beginning this weekend. Australia already have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since July because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine. "Green is unavailable for the India series having experienced mild side discomfort at training this week," Cricket Australia said. "Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is expected to be back for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the Ashes." The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start October 28th.