đź”— Share this article England's Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Quiet Confidence for The Ashes Series First Test The bowler has been absent from Test cricket since August 2024. The English pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" about his fitness for the opening match of the Ashes series in Australia. Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss against 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 that had kept him out for many months. "It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any matches and my knee sometimes, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered." "I got knocked back on several occasions, but in the tent [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 starts on 21 November at Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series in Australia since 2010-2011. "With luck, I'll be performing well, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in net sessions, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago. "The rehab hasn't just been 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 never want to give an answer claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident." Australia's Injury Worries At the same time, Australia's concerns over the fitness of squad members has resulted in player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, which starts on Sunday. The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year due to a back injury in his back. "Green is unavailable for the India series having experienced low-grade side soreness during recent practice," the cricket board stated. "Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the series." The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins October 28th.