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England's fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia.

The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery on a left knee injury this spring.

That tournament and tour of India that preceded it 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 you think 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 the pace is getting up there."

The opener of the series starts on 21 November at Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series on Australian soil in over a decade.

"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well in the practice games and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago.

"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 avoid making statements where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place currently and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australia's Fitness Concerns

Meanwhile, worries for Australia regarding the health of players has resulted in player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, which starts on Sunday.

Australia already have doubts about the fitness of skipper 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 low-grade side soreness 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 further prepare for the Ashes."

The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins October 28th.