🔗 Share this article England's Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for Ashes First Test Wood has not played a Test for over a year. The English fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" 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 had an operation for a knee issue this spring. That tournament and India series which came before was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury that had kept him out for many months. "It was a frustrating summer," 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 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 my speed is increasing." The first match of the series begins November 21st at Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win in Australia in over a decade. "Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can make my case for the first Test," added Wood, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago. "The rehab hasn't just been a smooth process, it's been a bit up and down, 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'm in a confident place currently and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful." Australia's Fitness Concerns Meanwhile, worries for Australia regarding the health of squad members have led to all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, beginning this weekend. Australia already have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since July due to a back injury affecting his spine. "Cameron Green has been ruled out 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 expected to be back for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the series." Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins October 28th.