English Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Quiet Confidence for Ashes Opener

The English pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the opening match of the Ashes series down under.

Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan last winter and had an operation for a knee issue in March.

That tournament and tour of India 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 stated. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee, at times, when you think I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there."

"I got knocked back on several occasions, but in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. I've had the speed gun out and the pace is getting up there."

The opener of the Ashes begins November 21st in Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series in Australia since 2010-2011.

"With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well in the practice games and in net sessions, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago.

"My recovery wasn't a straight curve, it had its ups and downs, but now I'm in a better place and hope to push forward toward the match."

"I avoid making statements claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place currently and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australia's Fitness Concerns

Meanwhile, Australia's concerns regarding the health of players has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, beginning this weekend.

The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.

"Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series after suffering low-grade side soreness at training this week," Cricket Australia said.

"He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back to play in round three of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the series."

Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins October 28th.