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

England's fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the opening match of the Ashes series down under.

Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan last winter and had an operation on a left knee injury in March.

That tournament and tour of India that preceded it 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 cricket and my knee sometimes, when you think I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."

"I got knocked back on several occasions, but during the training camp progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and the pace is getting up there."

The first match of the Ashes starts on 21 November in Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win on Australian soil in over a decade.

"With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well in the practice games and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago.

"The rehab hasn't just been a straight curve, it's been a bit up and down, but now I'm in a better place where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match."

"I never want to give an answer claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I feel assured at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australian Injury Worries

Meanwhile, Australia's concerns over the fitness of squad members have led to all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, which starts on Sunday.

Australia already have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year due to a back injury affecting his spine.

"Green is unavailable for the India series after suffering low-grade side soreness at training this week," the cricket board stated.

"He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return for the third round of domestic cricket to further prepare for the series."

Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins on 28 October.