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The English fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" about his fitness for the opening match of the Ashes series down under.

The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery for a knee issue this spring.

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

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

"I got knocked back on several occasions, but in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."

The first match of the series starts on 21 November in Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win in Australia in over a decade.

"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well during warm-up matches and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago.

"The rehab hasn't just been a straight curve, it had its ups and downs, but now I'm in a better place where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match."

"I avoid making statements where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australian Injury Worries

At the same time, Australia's concerns over the fitness of players have led to all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, which starts on Sunday.

The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year due to a back injury affecting his spine.

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

"He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back for the third round of domestic cricket to further prepare for the Ashes."

Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins on 28 October.