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England's pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia.

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 India series which came before marked his comeback after an elbow problem which sidelined him for many months.

"It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any matches and my knee sometimes, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."

"I got knocked back 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 Ashes starts on 21 November in Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series in Australia in over a decade.

"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in net sessions, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, whose last Test outing was against 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 and hope to push forward for that game."

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

Australia's Injury Worries

Meanwhile, worries for Australia over the fitness 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 in his back.

"Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series after suffering mild side discomfort during recent practice," the cricket board stated.

"Green will complete 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."

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