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The English fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia.

Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat 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.

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

"I faced setbacks on several occasions, 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 opener of the Ashes begins November 21st in Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win on Australian soil in over a decade.

"With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well in the practice games and in the nets, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago.

"My recovery wasn't a smooth process, 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 where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australian Fitness Concerns

At the same time, Australia's concerns regarding the health of squad members have led to all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, which starts on Sunday.

The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.

"Cameron Green has been ruled out 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 Ashes."

The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start October 28th.