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England's pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" about his fitness for the first Test of the Ashes series in Australia.

Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan last winter and had an operation on a left knee injury in March.

The Champions Trophy and tour of India that preceded it marked his comeback from an elbow injury which sidelined him since August 2024.

"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee, at times, when you think I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."

"I got knocked back a couple of times, but during the training camp it's been going well. We've used the radar gun and the pace is getting up there."

The first match of the series begins November 21st at Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win in Australia since 2010-2011.

"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago.

"My recovery wasn't a smooth process, it's been a bit up and down, but I'm in a good position now and hope to push forward toward the match."

"I avoid making statements where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australia's Fitness Concerns

Meanwhile, Australia's concerns regarding the health of players has resulted in player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, which starts on Sunday.

Australia already have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July because of lumbar bone stress 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 tracking to return for the third round of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the Ashes."

The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins on 28 October.