🔗 Share this article English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Reveals Quiet Confidence for Ashes Opener The bowler has not played a Test for over a year. The English fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" about his fitness for the opening match of the Ashes series in Australia. The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan last winter and had an operation on a left knee injury this spring. The Champions Trophy and tour of India that preceded it marked his comeback from an elbow injury that had kept him out for many months. "The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee sometimes, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered." "I faced setbacks on several occasions, but during the training camp progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and the pace is getting up there." The first match of the series starts on 21 November at Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win in Australia since 2010-2011. "Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively in the practice games and in the nets, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka over a year back. "The rehab hasn't just been a straight curve, it's been a bit up and down, but I'm in a good position now and hope to push forward for that game." "I avoid making statements claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident." Australia's Fitness Concerns Meanwhile, Australia's concerns over the fitness of squad members has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, beginning this weekend. Australia already have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year due to a back injury affecting his spine. "Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series after suffering mild side discomfort at training this week," Cricket Australia said. "Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back to play in round three of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the series." Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins on 28 October.