🔗 Share this article England's Paceman Mark Wood Expresses Reserved Optimism for Ashes First Test Wood has not played a Test for over a year. The English pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the opening match of the Ashes series down under. Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan in February and had an operation on a left knee injury this spring. The Champions Trophy and India series which came before was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury which sidelined him for many months. "The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee sometimes, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it was not just quite there." "I faced setbacks on several occasions, but in the tent [training camp] it's been going well. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing." The first match of the Ashes begins November 21st at Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win in Australia since 2010-2011. "With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, whose last Test outing was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago. "The rehab hasn't just been a smooth process, it had its ups and downs, but I'm in a good position now where i'm hoping to kick on for that game." "I never want to give an answer claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I feel assured at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident." Australian Fitness Concerns At the same time, Australia's concerns regarding the health of players have led to player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, beginning this weekend. Australia already have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress in his back. "Green is unavailable for the India series having experienced low-grade side soreness at training this week," Cricket Australia said. "He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return to play in round three of domestic cricket to further prepare for the series." The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins on 28 October.