🔗 Share this article English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Expresses Quiet Confidence for Ashes Opener The bowler has not played a Test since August 2024. The English pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" of being fit for the opening match of the Ashes series in Australia. Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan in February and had an operation on a left knee injury in March. That tournament and tour of India that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem that had kept him out for many months. "It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee, at times, when you think that you're just about ready, it was not just quite there." "I faced setbacks on several occasions, 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 series starts on 21 November at Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win in Australia in over a decade. "With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well in the practice games and in the nets, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," 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 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 ready'. I feel assured currently and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident." Australia's Injury Worries Meanwhile, worries for Australia over the fitness of squad members has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, beginning this weekend. The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since July because of lumbar bone stress in his back. "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 for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the Ashes." The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start October 28th.