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The English fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" of being fit for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia.

Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan last winter and had an operation on a left knee injury in March.

The Champions Trophy and tour of India that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury which sidelined him since August 2024.

"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee, at times, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it was not just quite there."

"I faced setbacks a couple of times, but in the tent [training camp] it's been going well. I've had the speed gun out and my speed is increasing."

The opener of the Ashes begins November 21st in Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series in Australia since 2010-2011.

"With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well in the practice games and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka over a year back.

"My recovery wasn't 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 never want to give an answer where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australia's Injury Worries

Meanwhile, Australia's concerns over the fitness of players has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI 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 in his back.

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

"He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the series."

Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins October 28th.