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England's fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the first Test of the Ashes series in Australia.

The cricketer has been sidelined since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan last winter and had an operation for a knee issue in March.

The Champions Trophy and India series which came before was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem which sidelined him since August 2024.

"It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee sometimes, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."

"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 the pace is getting up there."

The first match of the Ashes starts on 21 November in Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series in Australia in over a decade.

"With luck, I'll be performing well, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in net sessions, and can make my case for the first Test," Wood continued, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago.

"The rehab hasn't just been a smooth process, it had its ups and downs, but I'm in a good position now and hope to push forward toward the match."

"I never want to give an answer claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I feel assured at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australia's Fitness Concerns

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

Australia already have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year due to a back injury affecting his spine.

"Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series after suffering low-grade side soreness during recent practice," Cricket Australia said.

"He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return for the third round of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the Ashes."

Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start on 28 October.