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England's fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" about his fitness for the opening match of the Ashes series in Australia.

Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery on a left knee injury this spring.

The Champions Trophy and India series which came before was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury which sidelined him for many months.

"It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any matches and my knee sometimes, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there."

"I faced setbacks a couple of times, but during the training camp it's been going well. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."

The first match of the Ashes begins November 21st in Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series on Australian soil in over a decade.

"With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago.

"The rehab hasn't just been a smooth process, it had its ups and downs, but now I'm in a better place and hope to push forward toward the match."

"I avoid making statements claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I feel assured at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australian Fitness Concerns

Meanwhile, 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, which starts on Sunday.

Australia already have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since July because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.

"Green is unavailable of the [India] series having experienced low-grade side soreness at training this week," the cricket board stated.

"He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the series."

Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start October 28th.