England's Paceman Mark Wood Expresses Reserved Optimism for Ashes First Test

England's pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the first Test of the Ashes series 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 India series that preceded it marked his comeback from an elbow injury which sidelined him since August 2024.

"It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any matches and my knee sometimes, when you think I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."

"I got knocked back a couple of times, but during the training camp progress has been positive. I've had the speed gun out and my speed is increasing."

The opener of the Ashes 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 make my case for the first Test," added Wood, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka over a year back.

"My recovery wasn't a smooth process, it's been a bit up and down, but I'm in a good position now and hope to push forward 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 quietly confident."

Australian Injury Worries

Meanwhile, worries for Australia 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.

The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress in his back.

"Green is unavailable of the [India] series after suffering mild side discomfort at training this week," the cricket board stated.

"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is expected to be back for the third round of domestic cricket to further prepare for the series."

The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start on 28 October.