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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 down under.

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 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, at times, when you think that you're just about ready, it was not just quite there."

"I faced setbacks on several occasions, but during the training camp it's been going well. We've used the radar gun and the pace is getting up there."

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

"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively in the practice games and in the nets, and can put my hand up for the first Test," added Wood, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago.

"The rehab hasn't just been a smooth process, it's been a bit up and down, but I'm in a good position now and hope to push forward toward the match."

"I never want to give an answer claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident."

Australia's Fitness Concerns

At the same time, worries for Australia regarding the health of players have led to all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, beginning this weekend.

The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent 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 during recent practice," Cricket Australia said.

"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return 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 October 28th.