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The English pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia.

The cricketer has been sidelined since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan last winter and had an operation for a knee issue this spring.

The Champions Trophy and India series which came before marked his comeback from an elbow injury that had kept him out for many months.

"The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee, at times, when you think I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there."

"I got knocked back on several occasions, but in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. 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 first Test series in Australia in over a decade.

"With luck, I'll be performing well, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in net sessions, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago.

"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 claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place currently and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."

Australian Fitness Concerns

Meanwhile, worries for Australia over the fitness of players have led to all-rounder Cameron Green making way for 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 has not played since mid-year due to a back injury in his back.

"Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series after suffering low-grade side soreness at training this week," the cricket board stated.

"Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back for the third round of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the series."

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