🔗 Share this article England's Fast Bowler Mark Wood Expresses Quiet Confidence for Ashes Opener Wood has not played a Test for over a year. The English pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" about his fitness for the opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia. Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery on a left knee injury this spring. The Champions Trophy and tour of India which came before marked his comeback after an elbow problem that had kept him out for many months. "It was a frustrating summer," 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 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 opener of the series begins November 21st in Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win in Australia since 2010-2011. "With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well in the practice games and in the nets, and can make my case 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's been a bit up and down, but now I'm in a better place and hope to push forward for that game." "I never want to give an answer where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident." Australian Injury Worries Meanwhile, worries for Australia over the fitness of players have led to all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against 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 in his back. "Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series having experienced mild side discomfort during recent practice," Cricket Australia said. "He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the Ashes." Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins October 28th.