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The English fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" of being fit for the first Test of the Ashes series in Australia.

The cricketer has been sidelined since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan in February and had an operation on a left knee injury in March.

That tournament and tour of India that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury which sidelined him since August 2024.

"The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee, at times, 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] progress has been positive. I've had the speed gun out and the pace is getting up there."

The opener of the Ashes starts on 21 November in Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win on Australian soil in over a decade.

"With luck, I'll be performing well, 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 14 months ago.

"The rehab hasn't just been a smooth process, it's been a bit up and down, but now I'm in a better place and hope to push forward toward the match."

"I never want to give an answer where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."

Australian Injury Worries

Meanwhile, Australia's concerns regarding the health of squad members has resulted in player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, which starts on Sunday.

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

"Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series having experienced low-grade side soreness at training this week," Cricket Australia said.

"Green will complete 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 series."

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