🔗 Share this article

The English pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the opening match of the Ashes series in Australia.

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

The Champions Trophy and tour of India that preceded it marked his comeback after an elbow problem which sidelined him for many months.

"The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any matches and my knee sometimes, when you think I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there."

"I faced setbacks a couple of times, but during the training camp it's been going well. 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 initial series win on Australian soil in over a decade.

"With luck, I'll be performing well, delivering effectively in the practice games and in the nets, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, whose last Test outing was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago.

"My recovery wasn't a smooth process, it had its ups and downs, but I'm in a good position now 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 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 players have led to player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, beginning this weekend.

The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.

"Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series after suffering mild side discomfort during recent practice," Cricket Australia said.

"Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the series."

Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start on 28 October.