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England's fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" about his fitness for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia.

Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan last winter and had an operation on a left knee injury this spring.

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

"It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee sometimes, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there."

"I got knocked back on several occasions, but during the training camp it's been going well. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."

The opener of the series starts on 21 November in Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win in Australia since 2010-2011.

"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively 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.

"The rehab hasn't just been 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 claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident."

Australia's Fitness Concerns

At the same time, worries for Australia regarding the health 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.

The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since July because of lumbar bone stress in his back.

"Green is unavailable for the India series having experienced mild side discomfort at training this week," the cricket board stated.

"He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return to play in round three of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the Ashes."

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