English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for Ashes First Test

England's fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" about his fitness for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia.

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 India series that preceded it marked his comeback from an elbow injury that had kept him out for many months.

"The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee, at times, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."

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

The first match of the Ashes begins November 21st in 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 the nets, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka over a year back.

"The rehab hasn't just been a smooth process, it had its ups and downs, but I'm in a good position now where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match."

"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 quietly confident."

Australian Injury Worries

Meanwhile, Australia's concerns regarding the health of players have led to all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, which starts on Sunday.

Australia already have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July due to a back injury in his back.

"Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series after suffering mild side discomfort at training this week," Cricket Australia said.

"He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the series."

Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start October 28th.