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England's fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the opening match of the Ashes series in Australia.

Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery on a left knee injury in March.

That tournament and India series that preceded it marked his comeback after an elbow problem that had kept him out since August 2024.

"It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any matches and my knee sometimes, when you think that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."

"I faced setbacks on several occasions, but in the tent [training camp] it's been going well. We've used the radar gun and the pace is getting up there."

The first match of the series starts on 21 November in Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win 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 make my case for the first Test," added Wood, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka over a year back.

"My recovery wasn't a straight curve, it had its ups and downs, but I'm in a good position now and hope to push forward toward the match."

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

Australia's Fitness Concerns

Meanwhile, worries for Australia regarding the health of players have led to player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, which starts on Sunday.

Australia already have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since July because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.

"Green is unavailable of the [India] series having experienced low-grade side soreness at training this week," the cricket board stated.

"He will undergo a brief rehab stint 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 begins October 28th.