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The English fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" about his fitness for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry down under.

Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery on a left knee injury this spring.

The Champions Trophy and India series that preceded it marked his comeback after an elbow problem which sidelined him for many months.

"It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee sometimes, when you think that you're just about ready, it was not just quite there."

"I got knocked back on several occasions, but during the training camp it's been going well. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."

The opener of the Ashes starts on 21 November at Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series in Australia since 2010-2011.

"With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can make my case 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 had its ups and downs, but I'm in a good position now where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match."

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

Australia's Injury Worries

At the same time, worries for Australia over the fitness of players have led to player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, beginning this weekend.

The Aussies also have concerns over the condition 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 having experienced low-grade side soreness at training this week," Cricket Australia said.

"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."

The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start on 28 October.