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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 in Australia.

Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan last winter and had an operation on a left knee injury in March.

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

"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee, at times, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it was not just quite there."

"I got knocked back a couple of times, but during the 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 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, 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 was against Sri Lanka over a year back.

"My recovery wasn't 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 currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australia's Fitness Concerns

Meanwhile, Australia's concerns 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, which starts on Sunday.

The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year due to a back injury affecting his spine.

"Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series after suffering mild side discomfort 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 the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the Ashes."

Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start October 28th.