đź”— Share this article England's Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Quiet Confidence for Ashes First Test Wood has been absent from Test cricket for over a year. England's fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" of being fit for the opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia. The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan last winter and had an operation on a left knee injury this spring. The Champions Trophy and India series that preceded it marked his comeback after an elbow problem which sidelined him since August 2024. "The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee, at times, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered." "I got knocked back on several occasions, but during the training camp progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and the pace is getting up there." The first match of the Ashes begins November 21st at Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win on Australian soil in over a decade. "Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well in the practice games and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago. "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 avoid making statements claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place currently and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful." Australian Injury Worries Meanwhile, worries for Australia over the fitness of players have led to player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, which starts on Sunday. The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since July due to a back injury 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 for the third round of domestic cricket to further prepare for the Ashes." The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start October 28th.