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England's fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry down under.

The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan last winter and had an operation for a knee issue in March.

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

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

"I got knocked back a couple of times, but in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. I've had the speed gun out and the pace is getting up there."

The opener of the Ashes starts on 21 November in Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series in Australia in over a decade.

"With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well in the practice games and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago.

"The rehab hasn't just been a straight curve, it's been a bit up and down, but I'm in a good position now where i'm hoping to kick on for that game."

"I avoid making statements where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place currently and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australian Fitness Concerns

At the same time, worries for Australia 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, beginning this weekend.

Australia already have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year due to a back injury in his back.

"Cameron Green has been ruled out of 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 the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the series."

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