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England's pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" about his fitness for the opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia.

Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan last winter and had an operation on a left knee injury this spring.

That tournament and India series which came before was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury that had kept him out for many months.

"The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any matches and my knee sometimes, when it seemed I was nearly fit, 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 opener of the Ashes starts on 21 November in Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series in Australia in over a decade.

"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively during warm-up matches 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.

"My recovery wasn't a straight curve, 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 never want to give an answer where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place currently and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australia's Injury Worries

At the same time, Australia's concerns over the fitness of players has resulted in player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, beginning this weekend.

Australia already have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July due to a back injury in his back.

"Green is unavailable of the [India] series having experienced mild side discomfort at training this week," the cricket board stated.

"He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is expected to be back for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the Ashes."

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