Wood has been absent from Test cricket since August 2024.
England's pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry down under.
The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan last winter and had an operation for a knee issue in March.
The Champions Trophy and tour of India which came before was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem which sidelined him for many months.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any matches and my knee sometimes, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I got knocked back on several occasions, 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 first Test series on Australian soil since 2010-2011.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively in the practice games and in net sessions, and can make my case for the first Test," added Wood, who last played a Test was against 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 for that game."
"I avoid making statements claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place currently and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australia's Fitness Concerns
At the same time, worries for Australia regarding the health of squad members have led to all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, which starts on Sunday.
The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress in his back.
"Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series having experienced mild side discomfort at training this week," the cricket board stated.
"He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the series."
Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start on 28 October.
