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The English pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" of being fit for the opening match of the Ashes series down under.

Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery on a left knee injury this spring.

The Champions Trophy and tour of India that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem that had kept him out for many months.

"It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play 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] it's been going well. I've had the speed gun out 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 in Australia since 2010-2011.

"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can put my hand up for the first Test," added Wood, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago.

"My recovery wasn't a smooth process, it had its ups and downs, but I'm in a good position now where i'm hoping to kick on for that game."

"I avoid making statements where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place currently and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australian Fitness Concerns

At the same time, Australia's concerns regarding the health of players have led to all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, which starts on Sunday.

Australia already have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.

"Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series having experienced low-grade side soreness during recent practice," the cricket board stated.

"He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the series."

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