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England's fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" of being fit for the opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia.

Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery for a knee issue in March.

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

"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee sometimes, when you think that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."

"I got knocked back a couple of times, but during the training camp progress has been positive. I've had the speed gun out and my speed is increasing."

The first match of the series starts on 21 November at Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series on Australian soil in over a decade.

"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago.

"My recovery wasn't a smooth process, it had its ups and downs, but I'm in a good position now where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match."

"I never want to give an answer where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australia's Fitness Concerns

At the same time, Australia's concerns over the fitness of squad members have led to all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, beginning this weekend.

The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year due to a back injury affecting his spine.

"Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series having experienced low-grade side soreness during recent practice," the cricket board stated.

"He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the series."

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