🔗 Share this article English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Quiet Confidence for The Ashes Series Opener Wood has been absent from Test cricket since August 2024. The English fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" 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 tour of India that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem which sidelined him since August 2024. "The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "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 a couple of times, but in the tent [training camp] it's been going well. We've used the radar gun and the pace is getting up there." The first match of the series begins November 21st in Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series in Australia in over a decade. "Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for the first Test," Wood continued, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka over a year back. "The rehab hasn't just been a straight curve, it had its ups and downs, but now I'm in a better place and hope to push forward for that game." "I avoid making statements where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I feel assured at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident." Australian Injury Worries At the same time, Australia's concerns over the fitness of players have led to player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, which starts on Sunday. Australia already have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year due to a back injury in his back. "Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series having experienced mild side discomfort at training this week," the cricket board stated. "Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the Ashes." The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins October 28th.