đŸ”— Share this article English Paceman Mark Wood Expresses Quiet Confidence for The Ashes Series Opener 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 first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry down under. Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery for a knee issue this spring. That tournament and tour of India which came before was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury which sidelined him for many months. "The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "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 got knocked back a couple of times, but during the training camp it's been going well. I've had the speed gun out and my speed is increasing." The first match of the Ashes begins November 21st in Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series on Australian soil since 2010-2011. "Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively in the practice games and in net sessions, and can make my case for the first Test," Wood continued, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago. "The rehab hasn't just been a smooth process, it had its ups and downs, but I'm in a good position now and hope to push forward for that game." "I never want to give an answer where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I feel assured currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful." Australia's Fitness Concerns Meanwhile, Australia's concerns over the fitness of players has resulted in player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, which starts on Sunday. Australia already have concerns over the condition of captain 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 having experienced low-grade side soreness at training this week," Cricket Australia said. "Green will complete 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." Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins on 28 October.