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The English pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the first Test of the Ashes series down under.

Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan in February and had an operation for a knee issue this spring.

The Champions Trophy and tour of India which came before marked his comeback after an elbow problem that had kept him out for many months.

"The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee, at times, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there."

"I faced setbacks a couple of times, but in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and the pace is getting up there."

The opener of the series starts on 21 November at Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series on Australian soil since 2010-2011.

"With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well during warm-up matches and in net sessions, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago.

"My recovery wasn't a straight curve, it had its ups and downs, but now I'm in a better place and hope to push forward for that game."

"I avoid making statements 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 quietly confident."

Australia's Fitness Concerns

At the same time, worries for Australia regarding the health 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 doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year due to a back injury in his back.

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

"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the series."

The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start on 28 October.