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The English pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" about his fitness for the opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry down under.

The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan in February and had an operation for a knee issue this spring.

The Champions Trophy and India series that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return 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 sometimes, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it was not just quite there."

"I faced setbacks on several occasions, but in the tent [training camp] it's been going well. We've used the radar gun and the pace is getting up there."

The opener of the series begins November 21st in Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series on Australian soil 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 that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka over a year back.

"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 for that game."

"I avoid making statements claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident."

Australian Injury Worries

Meanwhile, worries for Australia regarding the health of players has resulted in player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, beginning this weekend.

Australia already have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year due to a back injury in his back.

"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 for the third round of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the series."

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