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The English pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" about his fitness for the opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia.

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

That tournament and tour of India that preceded it marked his comeback 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, at times, when you think I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."

"I faced setbacks a couple of times, but in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."

The first match of the series starts on 21 November at Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win in Australia in over a decade.

"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," added Wood, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka over a year back.

"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 where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match."

"I avoid making statements claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I feel assured currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australia's Injury Worries

At the same time, Australia's concerns regarding the health of squad members have led to all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, beginning this weekend.

The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress in his back.

"Green is unavailable for the India series after suffering mild side discomfort 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 further prepare for the series."

Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start on 28 October.