🔗 Share this article

The English 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 underwent surgery on a left knee injury in March.

That tournament and India series that preceded it marked his comeback from an elbow injury 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 it seemed I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there."

"I got knocked back on several occasions, 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 starts on 21 November in Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series in Australia in over a decade.

"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively in the practice games and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka over a year back.

"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 avoid making statements where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I feel assured currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australian Fitness Concerns

At the same time, worries for Australia over the fitness of players has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, which starts on Sunday.

Australia already have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.

"Green is unavailable for the India series having experienced low-grade side soreness during recent practice," the cricket board stated.

"He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return for the third round of domestic cricket to further prepare for the Ashes."

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