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The English 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 since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan last winter and had an operation on a left knee injury in March.

The Champions Trophy and tour of India that preceded it marked his comeback after an elbow problem that had kept him out for many months.

"The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee, at times, when you think I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."

"I got knocked back a couple of times, but in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. I've had the speed gun out and the pace is getting up there."

The opener of the series begins November 21st in Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win in Australia 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]," 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 now I'm in a better place where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match."

"I avoid making statements claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident."

Australian Injury Worries

At the same time, worries for Australia regarding the health of squad members has resulted in player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, which starts on Sunday.

Australia already have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July due to a back injury in his back.

"Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series after suffering mild side discomfort at training this week," the cricket board stated.

"He will undergo 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 the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start October 28th.