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The English pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the first Test of the Ashes series down under.

Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery on a left knee injury this spring.

The Champions Trophy and tour of India which came before was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem that had kept him out since August 2024.

"The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee, at times, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."

"I faced setbacks 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 first match of the series starts on 21 November in Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win on Australian soil in over a decade.

"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, whose last Test outing was against 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 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 feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident."

Australia's Fitness Concerns

Meanwhile, worries for Australia regarding the health of players have led to all-rounder 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 captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.

"Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series after suffering low-grade side soreness during recent practice," Cricket Australia said.

"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return for the third round of domestic cricket to further prepare for the Ashes."

The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start on 28 October.