England fast bowler Mark Wood has been left content with his progress as he targets a return to international cricket for the first Ashes Test later this month.

Wood has not played a Test since August 2024 against Sri Lanka, and has not featured competitively since February, after requiring knee surgery for an injury sustained during the Champions Trophy.

The Ashes series begins in Perth on the 21st November and Wood has spoken of how he is getting up to speed in order to make it in time for the first Test.

"It is very hard to train at 100% all of the time, but I have been off my full run-up and trying to up the intensity as I go along," said the 35-year-old.

"I am hoping in the practice game I can up it a little more again and gradually get ready for that first game."

Wood hopes to play a part in England’s only warmup match prior to the series taking place – a match against England Lions, which starts next Wednesday.

"I have trained for two or three days and pulled up really well," said Wood.

"Going into the practice game, that will be another good test again but so far so good."

Mark Wood is 𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲! #EnglandCricket | #Ashes pic.twitter.com/o85ZNsfauk

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 31, 2023

The Durham bowler, who took the most wickets for England with 17 during their last series down under in 2021/22, was quick to play down any suggestions that the team had received a hostile reception from the Australians.

There had been some unfriendly headlines in Australian newspapers, primarily towards England captain Ben Stokes, but Wood says that is in complete contrast to how they have been welcomed by the public.

“That’s all part of it”, Wood said in relation to the coverage.

"I haven't taken much notice of newspapers, but the reception we have had in general from Australians has been great.

"In the hotel and out and about in Perth everyone has been very friendly and is excited for the series."