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England's pace spearhead 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 against Afghanistan last winter and had an operation for a knee issue in March.

That tournament and tour of India which came before was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury that had kept him out since August 2024.

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

"I got knocked back a couple of times, but during the training camp it's been going well. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."

The opener of the series starts on 21 November at Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series on Australian soil since 2010-2011.

"With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, whose last Test outing was against Sri Lanka over a year back.

"The rehab hasn't just been a straight curve, 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 never want to give an answer where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place currently and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australian Fitness Concerns

At the same time, Australia's concerns regarding the health of players have led to all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, beginning this weekend.

The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress in his back.

"Green is unavailable of the [India] series after suffering low-grade side soreness during recent practice," the cricket board stated.

"He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return for the third round of domestic cricket to further prepare for the Ashes."

Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start October 28th.