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England's fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry down under.

Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan in February and had an operation for a knee issue in March.

That tournament and tour of India which came before marked his comeback from an elbow injury that had kept him out since August 2024.

"The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "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 a couple of times, but in the tent [training camp] it's been going well. I've had the speed gun out and my speed is increasing."

The opener of the series begins November 21st in Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win on Australian soil since 2010-2011.

"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively in the practice games and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, whose last Test outing 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 I'm in a good position now and hope to push forward toward the match."

"I never want to give an answer claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I feel assured currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australia's Fitness Concerns

At the same time, worries for Australia over the fitness of players has resulted in player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, beginning this weekend.

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

"Green is unavailable of the [India] series having experienced low-grade side soreness at training this week," 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 further prepare for the series."

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