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The English fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the opening match of the Ashes series in Australia.

The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan in February and had an operation on a left knee injury in March.

The Champions Trophy and India series which came before was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury that had kept him out since August 2024.

"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee sometimes, when you think I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there."

"I faced setbacks a couple of times, 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.

"With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can make my case for the first Test," Wood continued, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka over a year back.

"My recovery wasn't a smooth process, it's been a bit up and down, but I'm in a good position now and hope to push forward for that game."

"I never want to give an answer claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I feel assured at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident."

Australian Fitness Concerns

Meanwhile, worries for Australia over the fitness of squad members have led to player Cameron Green being replaced by 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 due to a back injury affecting his spine.

"Cameron Green has been ruled out for 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 to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the series."

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