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The English pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" about his fitness 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 underwent surgery for a knee issue in March.

That tournament and tour of India which came before marked his comeback after an elbow problem which sidelined him since August 2024.

"The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee sometimes, when you think I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."

"I faced setbacks a couple of times, but during the training camp it's been going well. We've used the radar gun and the pace is getting up there."

The first match of the series starts on 21 November in Perth, with England seeking victory in 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 put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago.

"My recovery wasn't a smooth process, it's been a bit up and down, but now I'm in a better place and hope to push forward toward the match."

"I never want to give an answer claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place currently and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."

Australia's Fitness Concerns

Meanwhile, worries for Australia over the fitness of players have led to player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, beginning this weekend.

Australia already have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since July due to a back injury in his back.

"Green is unavailable of the [India] series having experienced low-grade side soreness during recent practice," the cricket board stated.

"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is expected to be back to play in round three of domestic cricket to further prepare for the series."

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