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

The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan in February and had an operation on a left knee injury this spring.

That tournament and India series which came before was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury which sidelined him since August 2024.

"The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee sometimes, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."

"I got knocked back a couple of times, but in the tent [training camp] it's been going well. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."

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

"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well in the practice games and in the nets, and can make my case for the first Test," Wood continued, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago.

"My recovery wasn't a straight curve, it had its ups and downs, but now I'm in a better place where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match."

"I avoid making statements where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I feel assured currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australian Injury Worries

At the same time, worries for Australia over the fitness of players have led to player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, which starts on Sunday.

Australia already have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year due to a back injury affecting his spine.

"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 tracking to return for the third round of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the Ashes."

Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins on 28 October.