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The English fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" about his fitness for the opening match of the Ashes series down under.

Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan in February and had an operation for a knee issue this spring.

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

"It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee sometimes, 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 my speed is increasing."

The opener of the series begins November 21st at Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win on Australian soil in over a decade.

"With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well in the practice games and in the nets, and can make my case for the first Test," Wood continued, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka over a year back.

"The rehab hasn't just been a smooth process, it had its ups and downs, but now I'm in a better place where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match."

"I avoid making statements where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place currently and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."

Australia's Injury Worries

Meanwhile, worries for Australia regarding the health of players have led to all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, which starts on Sunday.

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.

"Green is unavailable of the [India] series having experienced low-grade side soreness during recent practice," the cricket board stated.

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

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