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The English pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" of being fit for the opening match of the Ashes series down under.

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

That tournament 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 stated. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee, at times, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it was not just quite there."

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

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, bowling well in the practice games and in the nets, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka over a year back.

"My recovery wasn't 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 claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I feel assured currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident."

Australian Fitness Concerns

Meanwhile, Australia's concerns regarding the health of squad members has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, beginning this weekend.

The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played 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 at training this week," Cricket Australia said.

"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 begins on 28 October.