England's Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series First Test

England's fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry down under.

The cricketer has been sidelined since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan last winter and had an operation for a knee issue in March.

The Champions Trophy and India series which came before marked his comeback after an elbow problem which sidelined him since August 2024.

"The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any matches and my knee, at times, when you think that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."

"I got knocked back a couple of times, but in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."

The opener of the series begins November 21st in Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win on Australian soil since 2010-2011.

"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can make my case for the first Test," Wood continued, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka over a year back.

"The rehab hasn't just been a smooth process, it's been a bit up and down, but now I'm in a better place and hope to push forward toward the match."

"I avoid making statements where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australia's Injury Worries

Meanwhile, Australia's concerns over the fitness of players has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, which starts on Sunday.

The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress 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 short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the series."

Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start October 28th.