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The English pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" about his fitness for the opening match of the Ashes series in Australia.

Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery for a knee issue in March.

That tournament and tour of India that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury which sidelined him since August 2024.

"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee, at times, when it seemed that you're just about ready, 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 the pace is getting up there."

The opener of the series starts on 21 November in Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win in Australia 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," Wood continued, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka over a year back.

"My recovery wasn't a smooth process, it's been a bit up and down, 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'm in a confident place at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australia's Fitness Concerns

At the same time, worries for Australia over the fitness of squad members has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, beginning this weekend.

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

"Green is unavailable of the [India] series after suffering mild side discomfort during recent practice," Cricket Australia said.

"Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return to play in round three of domestic cricket to further prepare for the series."

Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins on 28 October.