đź”— Share this article English Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Reserved Optimism for The Ashes Series First Test The bowler has not played a Test for over a year. England's fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the first Test of the Ashes series in Australia. The cricketer has been sidelined since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan last winter and had an operation on a left knee injury in March. That tournament 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 explained. "I was unable to participate in any matches and my knee, at times, 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 the pace is getting up there." The first match of the series begins November 21st in Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win in Australia in over a decade. "With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well in the practice games and in the nets, and can make my case for the first Test," Wood continued, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago. "My recovery wasn't a smooth process, it had its ups and downs, but now I'm in a better place and hope to push forward toward the match." "I never want to give an answer where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place currently and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident." Australian Fitness Concerns Meanwhile, worries for Australia regarding the health of squad members have led to player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, which starts on Sunday. Australia already have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine. "Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series after suffering low-grade side soreness during recent practice," Cricket Australia said. "He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is expected to be back to play in round three of domestic cricket to further prepare for the Ashes." Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start October 28th.