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England's pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness 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.

"The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee, at times, when you think I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."

"I faced setbacks on several occasions, but during the training camp progress has been positive. I've had the speed gun out and the pace is getting up there."

The first match of the Ashes starts on 21 November at Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win on Australian soil 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.

"My recovery wasn't a straight curve, it had its ups and downs, but I'm in a good position now where i'm hoping to kick on for that game."

"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 cautiously hopeful."

Australian Fitness Concerns

Meanwhile, worries for Australia over the fitness of squad members has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, which starts on Sunday.

The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.

"Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series having experienced mild side discomfort during recent practice," the cricket board stated.

"He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back to play in round three of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the series."

The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins on 28 October.