🔗 Share this article

The English fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry down under.

The cricketer has been sidelined since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan last winter and had an operation on a left knee injury this spring.

That tournament and tour of India which came before marked his comeback from an elbow injury that had kept him out for many months.

"It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee sometimes, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."

"I faced setbacks on several occasions, but in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and the pace is getting up there."

The opener of the Ashes begins November 21st at Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series in Australia in over a decade.

"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively in the practice games and in net sessions, and can make my case for the first Test," added Wood, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago.

"My recovery wasn't a smooth process, 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 never want to give an answer where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I feel assured at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australia's Fitness Concerns

At the same time, worries for Australia over the fitness of players has resulted in player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, which starts on Sunday.

Australia already have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July due to a back injury 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.

"Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return to play in round three of domestic cricket to further prepare for the series."

The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start October 28th.