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The English pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" 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 in February and underwent surgery for a knee issue in March.

That tournament and India series that preceded it marked his comeback from an elbow injury 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 that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."

"I faced setbacks on several occasions, but in the tent [training camp] it's been going well. I've had the speed gun out and the pace is getting up there."

The first match 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 net sessions, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka over a year back.

"The rehab hasn't just been a smooth process, it's been a bit up and down, but now I'm in a better place where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match."

"I avoid making statements where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."

Australian Fitness Concerns

At the same time, Australia's concerns regarding the health of squad members has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, which starts on Sunday.

Australia already have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since July due to a back injury in his back.

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

"He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return for the third round of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the series."

Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins on 28 October.