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The English fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" of being fit for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry down under.

The cricketer has been sidelined since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery for a knee issue in March.

That tournament and tour of India 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 didn't get to play any matches and my knee, at times, when you think that you're just about ready, it was not just quite there."

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

The opener of the series starts on 21 November in Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series on Australian soil since 2010-2011.

"With luck, I'll be performing well, delivering effectively in the practice games and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for the first Test," added Wood, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago.

"My recovery wasn't a straight curve, it had its ups and downs, but I'm in a good position now where i'm hoping to kick on for that game."

"I avoid making statements where I say, 'I'm fully ready, 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, Australia's concerns regarding the health of players has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, which starts on Sunday.

The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July due to a back injury in his back.

"Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series having experienced mild side discomfort during recent practice," Cricket Australia said.

"Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return to play in round three of domestic cricket to further prepare for the Ashes."

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