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England's pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" about his fitness for the first Test of the Ashes series down under.

Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan last winter and had an operation for a knee issue this spring.

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

"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee, at times, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there."

"I got knocked back a couple of times, but during the training camp it's been going well. I've had the speed gun out and the pace is getting up there."

The first match of the series starts on 21 November at Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win in Australia in over a decade.

"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 was against Sri Lanka over a year back.

"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, '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."

Australian Injury Worries

At the same time, worries for Australia regarding the health of players has resulted in player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, which starts on Sunday.

Australia already have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since July because of lumbar bone stress in his back.

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

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

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