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The English fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry down under.

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

That tournament and tour of India which came before was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury that had kept him out since August 2024.

"The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee, at times, when you think that you're just about ready, it was not just quite there."

"I faced setbacks on several occasions, but in the tent [training camp] it's been going well. I've had the speed gun out 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 in Australia since 2010-2011.

"With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well in the practice games and in net sessions, and can make my case for the first Test," Wood continued, whose last Test outing 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 where i'm hoping to kick on 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 currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident."

Australia's Injury Worries

At the same time, Australia's concerns over the fitness of squad members has resulted in player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, beginning this weekend.

The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July due to a back injury 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 brief rehab stint and is expected to be back for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the series."

Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start October 28th.