England's Paceman Mark Wood Expresses Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series 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 down under.

The cricketer has been sidelined since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan in February and had an operation on a left knee injury this spring.

The Champions Trophy and tour of India which came before marked his comeback after an elbow problem 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 during the training camp it's been going well. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."

The opener of the Ashes starts on 21 November 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 during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can make my case for the first Test," added Wood, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka over a year back.

"My recovery wasn't a straight curve, it had its ups and downs, 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 where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I feel assured currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident."

Australian Fitness Concerns

At the same time, worries for Australia regarding the health of players have led to all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, beginning this weekend.

The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since July because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.

"Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series having experienced mild side discomfort at training this week," the cricket board stated.

"He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the Ashes."

Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins October 28th.