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The English fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry down under.

Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery on a left knee injury in March.

The Champions Trophy and tour of India that preceded it marked his comeback from an elbow injury that had kept him out since August 2024.

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

"I got knocked back on several occasions, but during the 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 first Test series in Australia in over a decade.

"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well in the practice games and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for the first Test," added Wood, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago.

"My recovery wasn't 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 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."

Australian Fitness Concerns

At the same time, worries for Australia regarding the health of squad members have led to all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, which starts on Sunday.

Australia already have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress in his back.

"Green is unavailable of the [India] series having experienced mild side discomfort during recent practice," the cricket board stated.

"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is expected to be back to play in round three of domestic cricket to further prepare for the series."

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