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England's pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" about his fitness for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry down under.

Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan last winter and had an operation for a knee issue this spring.

The Champions Trophy and tour of India that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return 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 sometimes, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there."

"I faced setbacks a couple of times, but during the training camp progress has been positive. I've had the speed gun out and my speed is increasing."

The first match of the Ashes starts on 21 November in Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win in Australia since 2010-2011.

"With luck, I'll be performing well, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can make my case for the first Test," Wood continued, whose last Test outing was against Sri Lanka over a year back.

"The rehab hasn't just been a smooth process, it had its ups and downs, 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 set'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."

Australia's Fitness Concerns

Meanwhile, Australia's concerns over the fitness of squad members have led to player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, beginning this weekend.

Australia already have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.

"Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series having experienced low-grade side soreness at training this week," the cricket board stated.

"Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back to play in round three of domestic cricket to further prepare for the series."

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