đź”— Share this article English Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for Ashes Opener The bowler has been absent from Test cricket for over a year. England's pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" of being fit for the first Test of the Ashes series down under. Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan last winter and had an operation for a knee issue this spring. That tournament and tour of India that preceded it marked his comeback after an elbow problem that had kept him out for many months. "It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee sometimes, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there." "I got knocked back on several occasions, but during the training camp progress has been positive. I've had the speed gun out and the pace is getting up there." The first match of the series begins November 21st in Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series on Australian soil since 2010-2011. "Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively during warm-up matches 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 now I'm in a better place where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match." "I never want to give an answer claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful." Australia's Injury Worries Meanwhile, Australia's concerns over the fitness of squad members have led to player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, which starts on Sunday. The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress in his back. "Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series after suffering low-grade side soreness during recent practice," Cricket Australia said. "Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is expected to be back to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the series." The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins October 28th.