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England's fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the first Test of the Ashes series down under.

The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan last winter and had an operation on a left knee injury this spring.

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

"The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee, at times, when you think that you're just about ready, it was not just quite there."

"I got knocked back on several occasions, but in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and the pace is getting up there."

The first match of the series begins November 21st at Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series on Australian soil since 2010-2011.

"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well during warm-up matches and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for the first Test," Wood continued, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka over a year back.

"The rehab hasn't just been a smooth process, it's been a bit up and down, but now I'm in a better place where i'm hoping to kick on for that game."

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

Australia's Fitness Concerns

Meanwhile, worries for Australia over the fitness of squad members have led to all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day 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 in his back.

"Green is unavailable of the [India] series having experienced mild side discomfort at training this week," Cricket Australia said.

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

The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins October 28th.