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England's pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" about his fitness for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry down under.

Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery for a knee issue this spring.

The Champions Trophy and tour of India that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury that had kept him out since August 2024.

"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "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 during the training camp progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and the pace is getting up there."

The opener of the series begins November 21st in Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series in Australia in over a decade.

"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively in the practice games and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for the first Test," Wood continued, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago.

"The rehab hasn't just been a straight curve, it's been a bit up and down, but I'm in a good position now and hope to push forward toward the match."

"I avoid making statements claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place currently and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."

Australia's Fitness Concerns

Meanwhile, Australia's concerns over the fitness of players have led to all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, which starts on Sunday.

The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.

"Green is unavailable for the India series having experienced low-grade side soreness during recent practice," Cricket Australia said.

"He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the Ashes."

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