đŸ”— 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 fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" of being fit for the opening match of the Ashes series in Australia. The cricketer has been sidelined since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery for a knee issue this spring. That tournament and tour of India which came before marked his comeback from an elbow injury which sidelined him since August 2024. "The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee sometimes, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it was not just quite there." "I got knocked back a couple of times, but in the tent [training camp] it's been going well. I've had the speed gun out and the pace is getting up there." The opener of the series starts on 21 November in Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series in Australia since 2010-2011. "Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well in the practice games and in the nets, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka over a year back. "The rehab hasn't just been a straight curve, it had its ups and downs, but I'm in a good position now where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match." "I avoid making statements claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I feel assured at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident." Australia's Fitness Concerns At the same time, Australia's concerns over the fitness of squad members have led to player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, which starts on Sunday. The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year due to a back injury in his back. "Green is unavailable of the [India] series after suffering mild side discomfort during recent practice," the cricket board stated. "He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return to play in round three of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the Ashes." The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins on 28 October.