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The English pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia.

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

The Champions Trophy and tour of India that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return 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 cricket and my knee sometimes, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."

"I faced setbacks a couple of times, 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 opener of the series starts on 21 November at Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win 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 that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, whose last Test outing was against Sri Lanka over a year back.

"My recovery wasn't 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 set'. I'm in a confident place currently and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."

Australia's Fitness Concerns

At the same time, Australia's concerns over the fitness of squad members have led to player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, which starts on Sunday.

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

"Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series after suffering mild side discomfort during recent practice," Cricket Australia said.

"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is expected to be back for the third round of domestic cricket to further prepare for the series."

Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start October 28th.