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England's fast bowler 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 underwent surgery on a left knee injury this spring.

The Champions Trophy and tour of India which came before was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem 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 faced setbacks a couple of times, but in the tent [training camp] it's been going well. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."

The opener of the series begins November 21st in Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series on Australian soil in over a decade.

"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively in the practice games and in the nets, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," 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 and hope to push forward for that game."

"I avoid making statements where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I feel assured currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident."

Australia's Fitness Concerns

Meanwhile, Australia's concerns over the fitness of squad members have led to all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, which starts on Sunday.

Australia already have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent 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.

"Green will complete a brief rehab stint 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.