🔗 Share this article England's Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Quiet Confidence for The Ashes Series Opener Wood has been absent from Test cricket since August 2024. The English pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" of being fit for the opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia. Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery on a left knee injury this spring. That tournament and India series that preceded it marked his comeback from an elbow injury that had kept him out since August 2024. "It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee sometimes, when you think I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered." "I got knocked back on several occasions, but during the training camp progress has been positive. I've had the speed gun out and the pace is getting up there." The opener of the series begins November 21st in Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win in Australia since 2010-2011. "With luck, I'll be performing well, delivering effectively in the practice games and in net sessions, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka over a year back. "My recovery wasn't 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 claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I feel assured at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful." Australian Injury Worries Meanwhile, Australia's concerns regarding the health of players has resulted in player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, beginning this weekend. The Aussies also 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 of the [India] series after suffering mild side discomfort during recent practice," Cricket Australia said. "He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return to play in round three of domestic cricket to further prepare for the series." The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start October 28th.