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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 in Australia.

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

The Champions Trophy and India series which came before marked his comeback after an elbow problem that had kept him out since August 2024.

"The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee sometimes, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."

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

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

"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively 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 straight curve, it had its ups and downs, but now I'm in a better place and hope to push forward toward the match."

"I never want to give an answer claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident."

Australia's Fitness Concerns

At the same time, worries for Australia over the fitness of squad members have led to player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, beginning this weekend.

The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since July due to a back injury in his back.

"Green is unavailable for the India series having experienced low-grade side soreness during recent practice," the cricket board stated.

"Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the series."

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