🔗 Share this article

The English pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia.

The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery for a knee issue this spring.

That tournament and tour of India which came before was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury which sidelined him for many months.

"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee sometimes, when you think I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there."

"I faced setbacks on several occasions, but in the tent [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 series begins November 21st in Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series in Australia since 2010-2011.

"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka over a year back.

"My recovery wasn't 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, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australia's Injury Worries

At the same time, Australia's concerns regarding the health of squad members has resulted in 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 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," Cricket Australia said.

"He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back 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.