English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Expresses Quiet Confidence for Ashes First Test

England's fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry down under.

Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan in February and had an operation for a knee issue this spring.

The Champions Trophy and India series that preceded it marked his comeback after an elbow problem which sidelined him for many months.

"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee sometimes, when you think I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there."

"I faced setbacks on several occasions, 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 first match of the Ashes begins November 21st in Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series on Australian soil in over a decade.

"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, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago.

"My recovery wasn't a smooth process, it had its ups and downs, but now I'm in a better place where i'm hoping to kick on for that game."

"I avoid making statements claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I feel assured currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australian Fitness Concerns

Meanwhile, 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, beginning this weekend.

Australia already have doubts about the fitness 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 at training this week," Cricket Australia said.

"He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the Ashes."

The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins on 28 October.