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England's fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" about his fitness for the opening match of the Ashes series down under.

Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery on a left knee injury 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 stated. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee sometimes, when you think that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."

"I faced setbacks on several occasions, but in the tent [training camp] it's been going well. I've had the speed gun out and the pace is getting up there."

The first match of the series starts on 21 November at Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series in Australia since 2010-2011.

"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can make my case for the first Test," Wood continued, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago.

"The rehab hasn't just been a straight curve, 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 where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I feel assured at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australian Injury Worries

At the same time, worries for Australia over the fitness of players has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, which starts on Sunday.

The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of skipper 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 low-grade side soreness at training this week," the cricket board stated.

"He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the Ashes."

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