England's Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Quiet Confidence for Ashes Opener

England's fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" about his fitness for the opening match of the Ashes series in Australia.

Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan in February 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.

"It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee, at times, when you think that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."

"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 the pace is getting up there."

The first match 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 that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka over a year back.

"The rehab hasn't just been a straight curve, it had its ups and downs, but I'm in a good position now and hope to push forward for that game."

"I avoid making statements claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australia's Injury Worries

At the same time, 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 skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since July due to a back injury affecting his spine.

"Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series after suffering low-grade side soreness at training this week," Cricket Australia said.

"He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the series."

Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins October 28th.