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The English fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" about his fitness for the opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry down under.

The cricketer has been sidelined since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery on a left knee injury in March.

The Champions Trophy and tour of India which came before was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem 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 it seemed 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 first match of the series begins November 21st in Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series in Australia since 2010-2011.

"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively in the practice games and in the nets, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka over a year back.

"My recovery wasn't a smooth process, it's been a bit up and down, but I'm in a good position now where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match."

"I never want to give an answer where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australian Fitness Concerns

At the same time, Australia's concerns over the fitness of squad members 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 skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress in his back.

"Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series after suffering mild side discomfort during recent practice," Cricket Australia said.

"He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the Ashes."

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