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England's pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" about his fitness for the opening match of the Ashes series down under.

Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan in February and had an operation on a left knee injury in March.

That tournament and tour of India which came before marked his comeback after an elbow problem that had kept him out for many months.

"The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee sometimes, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it was not just quite there."

"I faced setbacks on several occasions, but in the tent [training camp] it's been going well. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."

The opener of the Ashes begins November 21st at 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 the first Test," Wood continued, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago.

"The rehab hasn't just been a smooth process, it's been a bit up and down, but now I'm in a better place and hope to push forward toward the match."

"I never want to give an answer where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place currently and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australian Fitness Concerns

Meanwhile, worries for Australia regarding the health of squad members have led to player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, which starts on Sunday.

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

"Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series after suffering mild side discomfort at training this week," the cricket board stated.

"He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the series."

The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins October 28th.