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England's pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" of being fit for the first Test of the Ashes series in Australia.

Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan last winter and had an operation for a knee issue in March.

The Champions Trophy and tour of India that preceded it marked his comeback after an elbow problem which sidelined him since August 2024.

"The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee, at times, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."

"I faced setbacks on several occasions, but in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. I've had the speed gun out and the pace is getting up there."

The first match of the Ashes starts on 21 November in Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series in Australia since 2010-2011.

"With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well in the practice games and in the nets, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, whose last Test outing was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago.

"My recovery wasn't a smooth process, it had its ups and downs, but now I'm in a better place where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match."

"I avoid making statements where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident."

Australian Injury Worries

At the same time, worries for Australia over the fitness of players have led to all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, beginning this weekend.

Australia already have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July because of lumbar bone stress in his back.

"Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series having experienced mild side discomfort during recent practice," the cricket board stated.

"He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the series."

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