England's Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for Ashes Opener

England's pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry down under.

Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery for a knee issue in March.

The Champions Trophy and India series that preceded it marked his comeback after an elbow problem which sidelined him since August 2024.

"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any matches and my knee, at times, when you think I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there."

"I faced setbacks a couple of times, but during the training camp it's been going well. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."

The opener of the series starts on 21 November in Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series on Australian soil in over a decade.

"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively in the practice games and in the nets, and can put my hand up for the first Test," added Wood, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka over a year back.

"My recovery wasn't a smooth process, it had its ups and downs, but now I'm in a better place and hope to push forward for that game."

"I avoid making statements claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I feel assured at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident."

Australian Injury Worries

Meanwhile, Australia's concerns over the fitness of players have led to player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, beginning this weekend.

The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.

"Green is unavailable of the [India] series having experienced low-grade side soreness at training this week," Cricket Australia said.

"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return for the third round of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the series."

Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start October 28th.