England's Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Quiet Confidence for The Ashes Series First Test

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

Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan last winter and had an operation for a knee issue in March.

The Champions Trophy and India series which came before marked his comeback after an elbow problem that had kept him out for many months.

"The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee, at times, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."

"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 first match of the Ashes begins November 21st in Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win on Australian soil in over a decade.

"With luck, I'll be performing well, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in net sessions, and can make my case for the first Test," added Wood, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago.

"My recovery wasn't a straight curve, it had its ups and downs, but I'm in a good position now and hope to push forward for that game."

"I never want to give an answer claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I feel assured at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident."

Australia's Fitness Concerns

At the same time, worries for Australia over the fitness of players have led to all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, which starts on Sunday.

Australia already have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year 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.

"He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is expected to be back for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the series."

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