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The English pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" of being fit for the opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry down under.

Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan in February and had an operation for a knee issue this spring.

The Champions Trophy and India series that preceded it marked his comeback after an elbow problem which sidelined him since August 2024.

"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee, at times, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."

"I got knocked back 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 opener of the series begins November 21st in Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win on Australian soil in over a decade.

"With luck, I'll be performing well, delivering effectively in the practice games and in net sessions, and can make my case for the first Test," Wood continued, 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 I'm in a good position now where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match."

"I never want to give an answer claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident."

Australia's Injury Worries

Meanwhile, worries for Australia regarding the health of squad members have led to all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, which starts on Sunday.

Australia already have doubts about the fitness 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 low-grade side soreness at training this week," Cricket Australia said.

"He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return for the third round of domestic cricket to further prepare for the series."

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