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

The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan last winter and had an operation on a left knee injury in March.

The Champions Trophy and India series which came before was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury which sidelined him for many months.

"It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee, at times, when you think I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."

"I faced setbacks a couple of times, 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 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, bowling well during warm-up matches and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, whose last Test outing was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago.

"My recovery wasn't a straight curve, it's been a bit up and down, but I'm in a good position now where i'm hoping to kick on for that game."

"I avoid making statements claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australian Fitness Concerns

Meanwhile, worries for Australia regarding the health of squad members has resulted in player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, beginning this weekend.

Australia already have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.

"Green is unavailable for the India series having experienced mild side discomfort during recent practice," the cricket board stated.

"He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return for the third round of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the Ashes."

Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start on 28 October.