🔗 Share this article English Fast Bowler Mark Wood Expresses Quiet Confidence for Ashes First Test Wood has not played a Test for over a year. England's fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" of being fit for the opening match of the Ashes series in Australia. Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan last winter and had an operation on a left knee injury this spring. That tournament and tour of India which came before was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury which sidelined him for many months. "It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any matches and my knee sometimes, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it was not just quite there." "I got knocked back a couple of times, but during the training camp progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing." The opener of the series starts on 21 November at Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win on Australian soil in over a decade. "Hopefully, I'm in form, 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 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, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I feel assured at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident." Australia's Fitness Concerns Meanwhile, Australia's concerns regarding the health of players has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, beginning this weekend. The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine. "Green is unavailable of the [India] series having experienced mild side discomfort at training this week," Cricket Australia said. "He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back for the third round of domestic cricket to further prepare for the series." The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins on 28 October.