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England's fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the first Test of the Ashes series down under.

Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan in February and had an operation for a knee issue in March.

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

"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee, at times, when you think that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."

"I faced setbacks a couple of times, 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 starts on 21 November at Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series on Australian soil in over a decade.

"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can make my case for the first Test," Wood continued, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago.

"My recovery wasn't a smooth process, it had its ups and downs, but now I'm in a better place and hope to push forward for that game."

"I avoid making statements where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place currently and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."

Australia's Fitness Concerns

Meanwhile, Australia's concerns over the fitness of squad members have led to all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, which starts on Sunday.

Australia already have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July because of lumbar bone stress in his back.

"Green is unavailable for the India series having experienced mild side discomfort during recent practice," the cricket board stated.

"He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the series."

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