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The English fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia.

Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan last winter and had an operation for a knee issue in March.

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

"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee sometimes, when you think that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."

"I got knocked back on several occasions, but during the training camp it's been going well. I've had the speed gun out and the pace is getting up there."

The first match of the Ashes begins November 21st at Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win in Australia since 2010-2011.

"With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well during warm-up matches and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for the first Test," Wood continued, whose last Test outing was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago.

"The rehab hasn't just been a smooth process, 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 ready'. I feel assured currently and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."

Australian Fitness Concerns

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 with India, beginning this weekend.

Australia already have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July because of lumbar bone stress in his back.

"Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series having experienced low-grade side soreness during recent practice," the cricket board stated.

"Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back for the third round 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.