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England's fast bowler 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 last winter and underwent surgery for a knee issue this spring.

That tournament and India series that preceded it marked his comeback from an elbow injury that had kept him out since August 2024.

"The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any matches 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 during the training camp progress has been positive. I've had the speed gun out and my speed is increasing."

The first match of the Ashes begins November 21st at Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win on Australian soil since 2010-2011.

"With luck, I'll be performing well, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can put my hand up for the first Test," added Wood, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka over a year back.

"The rehab hasn't just been 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 never want to give an answer where I say, '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 Fitness Concerns

At the same time, Australia's concerns regarding the health of squad members has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, which starts on Sunday.

The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July due to a back injury affecting his spine.

"Green is unavailable for the India series after suffering 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 to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the series."

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