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

Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat against 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 which sidelined him since August 2024.

"It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee, at times, 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 it's been going well. I've had the speed gun out and my speed is increasing."

The first match of the Ashes starts on 21 November in Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series in Australia in over a decade.

"With luck, I'll be performing well, delivering effectively in the practice games and in the nets, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka over a year back.

"The rehab hasn't just been a straight curve, it's been a bit up and down, but now I'm in a better place where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match."

"I avoid making statements claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident."

Australia's Injury Worries

At the same time, worries for Australia regarding the health of players have led to player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, beginning this weekend.

Australia already have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year due to a back injury affecting his spine.

"Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series after suffering low-grade side soreness at training this week," the cricket board stated.

"He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the Ashes."

The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins October 28th.