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England's pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry down under.

The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan in February and had an operation on a left knee injury this spring.

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

"The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "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 got knocked back a couple of times, but during the training camp progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."

The opener of the Ashes starts on 21 November in Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win in Australia in over a decade.

"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well in the practice games and in the nets, 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 smooth process, 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 avoid making statements claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident."

Australian Fitness Concerns

Meanwhile, worries for Australia regarding the health of players has resulted in player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, beginning this weekend.

The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July due to a back injury in his back.

"Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series having experienced 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 the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the series."

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