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The English pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia.

Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan in February and had an operation on a left knee injury in March.

That tournament and India series that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem which sidelined him since August 2024.

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

"I got knocked back on several occasions, but during the training camp progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and the pace is getting up there."

The first match of the Ashes starts on 21 November in Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series on Australian soil in over a decade.

"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka over a year back.

"The rehab hasn't just been 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 claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I feel assured currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australian Injury Worries

Meanwhile, Australia's concerns regarding the health of squad members have led to player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, which starts on Sunday.

Australia already have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July due to a back injury in his back.

"Green is unavailable of the [India] series having experienced low-grade side soreness during recent practice," Cricket Australia said.

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

The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start on 28 October.