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The English fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" of being fit for the opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia.

Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan last winter and had an operation on a left knee injury this spring.

The Champions Trophy and India series that preceded it 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 stated. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee, at times, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there."

"I got knocked back on several occasions, but during the training camp progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."

The first match of the series starts on 21 November at Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series on Australian soil in over a decade.

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

"The rehab hasn't just been a smooth process, it had its ups and downs, but I'm in a good position now where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match."

"I avoid making statements claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I feel assured currently and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australia's Fitness Concerns

At the same time, worries for Australia over the fitness of players has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, which starts on Sunday.

Australia already have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress in his back.

"Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series having experienced low-grade side soreness at training this week," Cricket Australia said.

"Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back for the third round of domestic cricket to further prepare for the series."

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