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England's pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia.

Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery on a left knee injury in March.

That tournament and tour of India which came before 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 cricket and my knee sometimes, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it was not just quite there."

"I got knocked back a couple of times, but during the training camp it's been going well. We've used the radar gun and the pace is getting up there."

The first match of the Ashes begins November 21st in Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win on Australian soil in over a decade.

"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can put my hand up for the first Test," Wood continued, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka over a year back.

"My recovery wasn't a straight curve, it had its ups and downs, but now I'm in a better place and hope to push forward toward the match."

"I never want to give an answer where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australia's Fitness Concerns

At the same time, worries for Australia regarding the health of players has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, beginning this weekend.

Australia already have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since July because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.

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

"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is expected to be back for the third round of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the Ashes."

Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins on 28 October.