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England's fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" about his fitness for the opening match of the Ashes series down under.

Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery for a knee issue this spring.

The Champions Trophy and tour of India that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury which sidelined him for many months.

"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee, at times, when you think that you're just about ready, it was not just quite there."

"I got knocked back a couple of times, but in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun 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 during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka over a year back.

"My recovery wasn't a straight curve, 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 where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australian Fitness Concerns

Meanwhile, Australia's concerns over the fitness of squad members has resulted in player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, beginning this weekend.

Australia already have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.

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

"Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return to play in round three of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the series."

Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins October 28th.