đź”— Share this article England's Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series First Test The bowler has not played a Test for over a year. England's fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry down under. Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery on a left knee injury in March. The Champions Trophy and tour of India that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return 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 matches and my knee, at times, when it seemed that you're just about ready, 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 series starts on 21 November 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, bowling well during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago. "The rehab hasn't just been a smooth process, it's been a bit up and down, but now I'm in a better place and hope to push forward toward the match." "I never want to give an answer where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I feel assured at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful." Australian Fitness Concerns At the same time, worries for Australia over the fitness of players have led to all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, which starts on Sunday. The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since July due to a back injury in his back. "Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series after suffering low-grade side soreness during recent practice," Cricket Australia said. "Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return for the third round of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the series." Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start on 28 October.