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England's fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" about his fitness for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia.

Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan in February and had an operation for a knee issue in March.

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

"The summer was disappointing," 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 in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and the pace is getting up there."

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

"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively in the practice games and in net sessions, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka over a year back.

"My recovery wasn't a smooth process, it had its ups and downs, but I'm in a good position now and hope to push forward toward the match."

"I avoid making statements where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I feel assured currently and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."

Australia's Fitness Concerns

At the same time, Australia's concerns over the fitness of players has resulted in player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, beginning this weekend.

Australia already have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.

"Green is unavailable for the India series after suffering mild side discomfort during recent practice," Cricket Australia said.

"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 series."

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