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England's pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry down under.

The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery for a knee issue this spring.

That tournament 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 stated. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee, at times, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."

"I faced setbacks on several occasions, but in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."

The opener of the Ashes begins November 21st at Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series on Australian soil in over a decade.

"With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well in the practice games and in the nets, and can put my hand up for the first Test," added Wood, who last played a Test versus 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 toward the match."

"I never want to give an answer where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I feel assured at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australia's Injury Worries

At the same time, Australia's concerns over the fitness of players have led to all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, beginning this weekend.

Australia already have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.

"Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series after suffering mild side discomfort during recent practice," the cricket board stated.

"He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is expected to be back for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the Ashes."

The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins October 28th.