🔗 Share this article English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Expresses Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series First Test The bowler has been absent from Test cricket for over a year. England's pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry down under. The cricketer has been sidelined since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery on a left knee injury this spring. That tournament and tour of India which came before was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury which sidelined him for many months. "It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any matches and my knee, at times, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it was not just quite there." "I got knocked back on several occasions, but during the training camp progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing." The first match of the series begins November 21st in Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series in Australia in over a decade. "Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well in the practice games and in net sessions, and can make my case for the first Test," Wood continued, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka over a year back. "The rehab hasn't just been a smooth process, it's been a bit up and down, but I'm in a good position now and hope to push forward toward the match." "I avoid making statements where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place currently and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident." Australia's Fitness Concerns Meanwhile, Australia's concerns over the fitness of squad members has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, which starts on Sunday. The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine. "Green is unavailable for the India series having experienced low-grade side soreness during recent practice," the cricket board stated. "He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back to play in round three of domestic cricket to further prepare for the Ashes." Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start on 28 October.