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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 following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery on a left knee injury in March.

The Champions Trophy and tour of India which came before was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem which sidelined him for many months.

"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any matches and my knee, at times, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."

"I got knocked back on several occasions, but during the training camp progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and the pace is getting up there."

The opener of the series begins November 21st at Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series on Australian soil in over a decade.

"With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well in the practice games and in the nets, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago.

"The rehab hasn't just been a straight curve, it's been a bit up and down, but now I'm in a better place and hope to push forward toward the match."

"I never want to give an answer claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australia's Injury Worries

Meanwhile, worries for Australia regarding the health of squad members have led to player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, which starts on Sunday.

The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July due to a back injury in his back.

"Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series after suffering low-grade side soreness during recent practice," Cricket Australia said.

"Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation 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 Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins October 28th.