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The English pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry down under.

Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery on a left knee injury in March.

That tournament 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 stated. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee, at times, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."

"I faced setbacks on several occasions, but in the tent [training camp] it's been going well. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."

The first match of the Ashes starts on 21 November at 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 put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, whose last Test outing was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago.

"The rehab hasn't just been a smooth process, it's been a bit up and down, but I'm in a good position now where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match."

"I avoid making statements where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australia's Fitness Concerns

At the same time, worries for Australia over the fitness of squad members have led to all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, which starts on Sunday.

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

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

"He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is expected to be back to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the series."

Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins on 28 October.