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England's pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" of being fit for the opening match of the Ashes series down under.

Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan last winter and had an operation on a left knee injury this spring.

That tournament 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 stated. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee, at times, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."

"I got knocked back on several occasions, but in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. I've had the speed gun out and my speed is increasing."

The first match of the Ashes begins November 21st at Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series on Australian soil since 2010-2011.

"With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well in the practice games and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for the first Test," Wood continued, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago.

"The rehab hasn't just been a straight curve, it's been a bit up and down, but now I'm in a better place and hope to push forward toward the match."

"I avoid making statements 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 quietly confident."

Australian Fitness Concerns

Meanwhile, worries for Australia regarding the health of players has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, beginning this weekend.

Australia already have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress in his back.

"Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series after suffering low-grade side soreness at training this week," Cricket Australia said.

"He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the Ashes."

Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start October 28th.