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The English fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" of being fit for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry down under.

Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan in February and had an operation for a knee issue in March.

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

"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "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 during the training camp progress has been positive. I've had the speed gun out and the pace is getting up there."

The opener of the Ashes begins November 21st at Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win on Australian soil in over a decade.

"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can make my case for the first Test," Wood continued, 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 now I'm in a better place where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match."

"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 regarding the health of squad members have led to all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, beginning this weekend.

Australia already have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent 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 short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return for the third round of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the series."

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