🔗 Share this article

The English fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" about his fitness for the first Test of the Ashes series down under.

The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery on a left knee injury in March.

The Champions Trophy and India series that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem which sidelined him for many months.

"The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee, at times, when you think I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."

"I got knocked back on several occasions, 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 series starts on 21 November in Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series on Australian soil since 2010-2011.

"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well during warm-up matches and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, who last played a Test was against 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 avoid making statements claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I feel assured at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australian Injury Worries

Meanwhile, Australia's concerns regarding the health of squad members have led to player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day 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 affecting his spine.

"Green is unavailable for the India series after suffering low-grade side soreness at training this week," the cricket board stated.

"He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the series."

The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins on 28 October.