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The English fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" of being fit for the first Test of the Ashes series in Australia.

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

That tournament and India series which came before was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem which sidelined him since August 2024.

"The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any matches and my knee sometimes, when you think I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there."

"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 begins November 21st in Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win in Australia in over a decade.

"With luck, I'll be performing well, 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 versus 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 and hope to push forward toward the match."

"I avoid making statements claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I feel assured currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident."

Australia's Fitness Concerns

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

Australia already have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July due to a back injury in his back.

"Green is unavailable for the India series having experienced mild side discomfort at training this week," Cricket Australia said.

"He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the series."

Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start on 28 October.