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The English pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia.

The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery on a left knee injury in March.

The Champions Trophy and India series that preceded it marked his comeback from an elbow injury that had kept him out for many months.

"It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any matches and my knee, at times, when you think that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."

"I faced setbacks a couple of times, but in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. I've had the speed gun out and my speed is increasing."

The opener of the Ashes begins November 21st in Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series in Australia in over a decade.

"With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well in the practice games and in the nets, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, whose last Test outing was against Sri Lanka over a year back.

"The rehab hasn't just been a smooth process, 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 claiming, '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."

Australia's Fitness Concerns

Meanwhile, Australia's concerns over the fitness of squad members has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI 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 due to a back injury affecting his spine.

"Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series having experienced mild side discomfort during recent practice," Cricket Australia said.

"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is expected to be back to play in round three of domestic cricket to further prepare for the Ashes."

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