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The English pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the opening match of the Ashes series in Australia.

Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery on a left knee injury this spring.

The Champions Trophy and tour of India which came before was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury which sidelined him since August 2024.

"The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any cricket 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 first match of the series begins November 21st in Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win on Australian soil since 2010-2011.

"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well during warm-up matches and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for the first Test," added Wood, whose last Test outing was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago.

"My recovery wasn't a straight curve, it's been a bit up and down, but now I'm in a better place and hope to push forward toward the match."

"I never want to give an answer where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I feel assured at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident."

Australian Fitness Concerns

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

The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.

"Green is unavailable of the [India] series after suffering low-grade side soreness during recent practice," the cricket board stated.

"He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is expected to be back for the third round of domestic cricket to further prepare for the Ashes."

The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins on 28 October.