🔗 Share this article English Paceman Mark Wood Expresses Quiet Confidence for The Ashes Series First Test The bowler has not played a Test since August 2024. England's pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" of being fit for the opening match of the Ashes series in Australia. The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery for a knee issue in March. That tournament and India series which came before was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury which sidelined him since August 2024. "The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee, at times, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there." "I got knocked back on several occasions, but in the tent [training camp] it's been going well. We've used the radar gun and the pace is getting up there." The opener of the series begins November 21st in Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win on Australian soil since 2010-2011. "With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well in the practice games and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, 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 I'm in a good position now and hope to push forward toward the match." "I never want to give an answer where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I feel assured currently and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident." Australia's Fitness Concerns Meanwhile, worries for Australia over the fitness of squad members has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, beginning this weekend. Australia already have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year due to a back injury in his back. "Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series after suffering mild side discomfort at training this week," the cricket board stated. "Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the Ashes." The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins October 28th.