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The English pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" about his fitness for the first Test of the Ashes series in Australia.

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

The Champions Trophy and India series 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 stated. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee sometimes, when you think I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there."

"I faced setbacks on several occasions, but during the 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 starts on 21 November at Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win in Australia in over a decade.

"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well in the practice games and in net sessions, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago.

"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 where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I feel assured at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australia's Injury Worries

Meanwhile, worries for Australia regarding the health of squad members has resulted in player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, which starts on Sunday.

The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since July due to a back injury in his back.

"Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series having experienced mild side discomfort during recent practice," 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 further prepare for the Ashes."

The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start on 28 October.