🔗 Share this article English Paceman Mark Wood Expresses Quiet Confidence for Ashes Opener The bowler has been absent from Test cricket 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 down under. The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan last winter and had an operation for a knee issue this spring. The Champions Trophy and India series which came before was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem which sidelined him for many months. "It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any matches and my knee sometimes, when you think that you're just about ready, it was not just quite there." "I faced setbacks a couple of times, but during the training camp progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and the pace is getting up there." The opener of the series begins November 21st in Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win in Australia since 2010-2011. "With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well in the practice games and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for the first Test," Wood continued, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago. "My recovery wasn't a smooth process, it's been a bit up and down, but now I'm in a better place and hope to push forward for that game." "I never want to give an answer claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I feel assured at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful." Australian Injury Worries At the same time, worries for Australia over the fitness of players has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, beginning this weekend. The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July because of lumbar bone stress in his back. "Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series having experienced mild side discomfort at training this week," Cricket Australia said. "Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is expected to be back to play in round three of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the series." Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start October 28th.