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The English pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia.

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

That tournament and India series that preceded it marked his comeback from an elbow injury which sidelined him for many months.

"The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee sometimes, when you think I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."

"I faced setbacks a couple of times, but during the training camp progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."

The opener of the Ashes begins November 21st in Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series in Australia in over a decade.

"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, whose last Test outing was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago.

"My recovery wasn't a straight curve, it had its ups and downs, 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'm in a confident place at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."

Australia's Injury Worries

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, which starts on Sunday.

The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress in his back.

"Green is unavailable of 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 to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the series."

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