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The English pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" about his fitness for the first Test of the Ashes series down under.

Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan in February and had an operation for a knee issue in March.

That tournament and tour of India that preceded it marked his comeback after an elbow problem that had kept him out since August 2024.

"It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee sometimes, when you think I was nearly fit, 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 the pace is getting up there."

The first match of the series begins November 21st at Perth, with England seeking victory in 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]," Wood continued, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago.

"My recovery wasn't a straight curve, it's been a bit up and down, but now I'm in a better place and hope to push forward toward the match."

"I never want to give an answer claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I feel assured at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australia's Fitness Concerns

At the same time, Australia's concerns regarding the health of squad members 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 concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.

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

"He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is expected to be back for the third round of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the series."

Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start on 28 October.