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

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 which came before was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem which sidelined him since August 2024.

"The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee sometimes, when you think 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] it's been going well. I've had the speed gun out and the pace is getting up there."

The opener of the Ashes starts on 21 November at 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 during warm-up matches and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka over a year back.

"The rehab hasn't just been 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 avoid making statements claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident."

Australia's Injury Worries

Meanwhile, worries for Australia regarding the health of players has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with 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 after suffering mild side discomfort 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 the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the series."

Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start on 28 October.