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

Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery on a left knee injury this spring.

The Champions Trophy and India series that preceded it marked his comeback from an elbow injury which sidelined him since August 2024.

"It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee, at times, when you think I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."

"I got knocked back 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 first match of the series starts on 21 November at Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series in Australia in over a decade.

"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well in the practice games and in the nets, and can put my hand up for the first Test," added Wood, who last played a Test was against 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 where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match."

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

Australia's Injury Worries

Meanwhile, worries for Australia regarding the health of players have led to player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, which starts on Sunday.

Australia already have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since July because of lumbar bone stress in his back.

"Green is unavailable of the [India] series having experienced mild side discomfort during recent practice," the cricket board stated.

"He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is expected to be back to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the Ashes."

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