🔗 Share this article England's Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series Opener The bowler has not played a Test for over a year. England's pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the opening match of the Ashes series in Australia. Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan last winter and had an operation on a left knee injury this spring. That tournament and India series that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem which sidelined him for many months. "It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee, at times, when you think I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there." "I got knocked back on several occasions, but during the training camp it's been going well. I've had the speed gun out and the pace is getting up there." The opener of the Ashes begins November 21st at Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win on Australian soil in over a decade. "Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively in the practice games and in the nets, and can put my hand up for the first Test," added Wood, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago. "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 where i'm hoping to kick on for that game." "I avoid making statements where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place currently and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful." Australian Fitness Concerns Meanwhile, worries for Australia regarding the health of players have led to player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, beginning this weekend. The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine. "Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series having experienced low-grade side soreness during recent practice," Cricket Australia said. "Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is expected to be back to play in round three of domestic cricket to further prepare for the series." Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins on 28 October.