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The English pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia.

The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan last winter and had an operation for a knee issue in March.

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

"It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any matches and my knee sometimes, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there."

"I got knocked back a couple of times, but during the 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 begins November 21st at Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series in Australia in over a decade.

"With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well in the practice games and in net sessions, and can make my case for the first Test," Wood continued, whose last Test outing was against Sri Lanka over a year back.

"My recovery wasn't a straight curve, 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 avoid making statements where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I feel assured at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australia's Injury Worries

Meanwhile, worries for Australia over the fitness of squad members has resulted in player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, which starts on Sunday.

Australia already have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since July due to a back injury affecting his spine.

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

"He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the series."

Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins on 28 October.