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England's 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 following a Champions Trophy loss 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 marked his comeback from an elbow injury which sidelined him since August 2024.

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

"I faced setbacks a couple of times, but during the training camp it's been going well. I've had the speed gun out and the pace is getting up there."

The opener of the series starts on 21 November in Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win in Australia in over a decade.

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

"My recovery wasn't a smooth process, 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 claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australian Injury Worries

At the same time, worries for Australia regarding the health of players have led to all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, which starts on Sunday.

Australia already have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year due to a back injury affecting his spine.

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

"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 Ashes."

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