🔗 Share this article

The English pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the first Test of the Ashes series in Australia.

The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan in February and had an operation for a knee issue in March.

The Champions Trophy and India series which came before was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem which sidelined him since August 2024.

"It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee sometimes, when you think that you're just about ready, it was not just quite there."

"I got knocked back a couple of times, but in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. I've had the speed gun out and the pace is getting up there."

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

"With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well during warm-up matches and in net sessions, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka over a year back.

"The rehab hasn't just been 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 for that game."

"I avoid making statements claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I feel assured at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australia's Fitness Concerns

Meanwhile, worries for Australia over the fitness of squad members have led to all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, which starts on Sunday.

The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July because of lumbar bone stress in his back.

"Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series after suffering low-grade side soreness during recent practice," Cricket Australia said.

"Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the series."

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