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The English pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the opening match of the Ashes series down under.

The cricketer has been sidelined since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery for a knee issue this spring.

That tournament and India series that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem that had kept him out since August 2024.

"The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any matches and my knee sometimes, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it was not just quite there."

"I got knocked back 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 first match of the series starts on 21 November at Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series in Australia since 2010-2011.

"With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago.

"The rehab hasn't just been a straight curve, it's been a bit up and down, but I'm in a good position now 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 currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australia's Injury Worries

Meanwhile, worries for Australia regarding the health of players have led to player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, which starts on Sunday.

The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.

"Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series after suffering mild side discomfort during recent practice," the cricket board stated.

"He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is expected to be back to play in round three of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the Ashes."

The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start on 28 October.