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England's pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" of being fit for the opening match of the Ashes series down under.

Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan last winter and had an operation for a knee issue this spring.

The Champions Trophy and tour of India which came before marked his comeback after an elbow problem that had kept him out since August 2024.

"The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any matches and my knee, at times, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."

"I got knocked back on several occasions, but in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."

The opener of the series begins November 21st at Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win in Australia since 2010-2011.

"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can put my hand up for the first Test," Wood continued, whose last Test outing was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago.

"The rehab hasn't just been a straight curve, it had its ups and downs, but now I'm in a better place where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match."

"I avoid making statements claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I feel assured currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australia's Fitness Concerns

At the same time, Australia's concerns over the fitness of squad members have led to player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, which starts on Sunday.

Australia already have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.

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

"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is expected to be back to play in round three of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the series."

The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins on 28 October.