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The English pace spearhead 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 since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan last winter and had an operation for a knee issue this spring.

That tournament and tour of India that preceded it 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 explained. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee sometimes, when you think I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there."

"I faced setbacks on several occasions, but during the training camp progress has been positive. I've had the speed gun out and my speed is increasing."

The opener of the series begins November 21st in Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series on Australian soil in over a decade.

"With luck, I'll be performing well, delivering effectively in the practice games and in the nets, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago.

"My recovery wasn't a smooth process, it's been a bit up and down, but I'm in a good position now where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match."

"I avoid making statements claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australian Fitness Concerns

At the same time, worries for Australia over the fitness of squad members have led to all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, which starts on Sunday.

The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress in his back.

"Green is unavailable of the [India] series having experienced mild side discomfort at training this week," the cricket board stated.

"He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the Ashes."

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