đź”— Share this article English Paceman Mark Wood Reveals Quiet Confidence for The Ashes Series Opener Wood has not played a Test for over a year. England's fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" of being fit for the first Test of the Ashes series down under. Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan in February and had an operation for a knee issue in March. That tournament and India series which came before was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury which sidelined him for many months. "It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee, at times, when you think 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 it's been going well. We've used the radar gun and the pace is getting up there." The opener of the Ashes starts on 21 November at Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series on Australian soil since 2010-2011. "Hopefully, I'm in form, 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 versus Sri Lanka over a year back. "The rehab hasn't just been a smooth process, it had its ups and downs, but I'm in a good position now and hope to push forward for that game." "I never want to give an answer claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I feel assured at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful." Australian Fitness Concerns At the same time, Australia's concerns over the fitness of squad members has resulted in player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, beginning this weekend. Australia already have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year due to a back injury in his back. "Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series after suffering mild side discomfort during recent practice," Cricket Australia said. "He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is expected to be back for the third round of domestic cricket to further prepare for the series." The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins on 28 October.