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The English pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" about his fitness for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia.

The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan in February and had an operation for a knee issue in March.

The Champions Trophy and tour of India that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem that had kept him out for many months.

"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee sometimes, when you think I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."

"I faced setbacks 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 begins November 21st at Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win in Australia since 2010-2011.

"Hopefully, I'm in form, 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 versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago.

"My recovery wasn't a straight curve, it's been a bit up and down, but now I'm in a better place where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match."

"I never want to give an answer where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I feel assured at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australia's Fitness Concerns

At the same time, Australia's concerns over the fitness of squad members has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, which starts on Sunday.

The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since July due to a back injury in his back.

"Green is unavailable 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 tracking to return for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the Ashes."

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