🔗 Share this article

England's fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry down under.

The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan last winter and had an operation on a left knee injury this spring.

The Champions Trophy and India series which came before marked his comeback from an elbow injury which sidelined him for many months.

"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 faced setbacks on several occasions, but in the tent [training camp] it's been going well. We've used the radar gun and the pace is getting up there."

The opener of the Ashes starts on 21 November at Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win in Australia in over a decade.

"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well 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 over a year back.

"My recovery wasn't 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 never want to give an answer claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australian Fitness Concerns

At the same time, Australia's concerns regarding the health of squad members has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, which starts on Sunday.

Australia already have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since July due to a back injury affecting his spine.

"Green is unavailable of the [India] series after suffering mild side discomfort during recent practice," Cricket Australia said.

"Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the series."

The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins October 28th.