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England's pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia.

The cricketer has been sidelined since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan in February 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 that had kept him out since August 2024.

"The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee, at times, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."

"I faced setbacks a couple of times, but in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. I've had the speed gun out and my speed is increasing."

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

"With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well in the practice games and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for the first Test," Wood continued, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka over a year back.

"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 and hope to push forward toward the match."

"I avoid making statements claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I feel assured currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australian Fitness Concerns

At the same time, worries for Australia over the fitness of squad members has resulted in player 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 has not played since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress in his back.

"Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series after suffering 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."

The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start on 28 October.