🔗 Share this article England's Paceman Mark Wood Expresses Quiet Confidence for The Ashes Series Opener Wood has not played a Test since August 2024. The English pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" about his fitness for the opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry down under. Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan in February and had an operation on a left knee injury this spring. That tournament and India series which came before was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem that had kept him out for many months. "It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee sometimes, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered." "I faced setbacks on several occasions, but during the training camp it's been going well. I've had the speed gun out and my speed is increasing." The first match of the series begins November 21st in Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series in Australia since 2010-2011. "With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well during warm-up matches and in net sessions, and can make my case for the first Test," added Wood, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka over a year back. "My recovery wasn't a straight curve, 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 never want to give an answer claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I feel assured at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful." Australia's Injury Worries At the same time, Australia's concerns over the fitness of players has resulted in player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, which starts on Sunday. The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since July due to a back injury affecting his spine. "Green is unavailable of the [India] series having experienced mild side discomfort at training this week," the cricket board stated. "Green will complete a brief rehab stint 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.