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

Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan in February and had an operation on a left knee injury in March.

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

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

"I got knocked back on several occasions, 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 Ashes begins November 21st in Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series on Australian soil in over a decade.

"With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well during warm-up matches and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for the first Test," added Wood, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka over a year back.

"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 and hope to push forward for that game."

"I never want to give an answer where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place currently and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."

Australian Injury Worries

Meanwhile, worries for Australia over the fitness of squad members have led to player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, beginning this weekend.

Australia already have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since July because of lumbar bone stress 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."

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