English Fast Bowler 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 opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia.

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

That tournament and tour of India that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem that had kept him out for many months.

"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any matches and my knee sometimes, when you think that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."

"I faced setbacks a couple of times, but during the training camp progress has been positive. I've had the speed gun out and my speed is increasing."

The opener of the Ashes begins November 21st in Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series in Australia since 2010-2011.

"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively during warm-up matches 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 14 months ago.

"My recovery wasn't a straight curve, 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 where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident."

Australian Fitness Concerns

Meanwhile, Australia's concerns over the fitness of players have led to player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, beginning this weekend.

Australia already have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July because of lumbar bone stress in his back.

"Green is unavailable of the [India] series having experienced low-grade side soreness at training this week," Cricket Australia said.

"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is expected to be back for the third round of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the Ashes."

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