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The English pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" about his fitness for the opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry down under.

Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery on a left knee injury this spring.

That tournament and India series that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem which sidelined him since August 2024.

"The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee, at times, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there."

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

The first match of the series starts on 21 November in Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series in Australia 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, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka over a year back.

"My recovery wasn't a smooth process, it had its ups and downs, but I'm in a good position now where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match."

"I avoid making statements claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australian Injury Worries

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

Australia already have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since July because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.

"Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series having experienced low-grade side soreness at training this week," the cricket board stated.

"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is expected to be back to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the series."

Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start on 28 October.