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England's pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" of being fit for the first Test of the Ashes series down under.

Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan last winter and had an operation for a knee issue this spring.

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

"The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee sometimes, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."

"I faced setbacks on several occasions, but during the training camp progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."

The opener of the series starts on 21 November in Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win in Australia in over a decade.

"With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well in the practice games and in net sessions, and can make my case for the first Test," Wood continued, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka over a year back.

"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 where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match."

"I never want to give an answer claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australian Fitness Concerns

Meanwhile, Australia's concerns regarding the health of players has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against 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 affecting his spine.

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

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