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England's pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the first Test of the Ashes series down under.

Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery on a left knee injury in March.

The Champions Trophy and tour of India that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury which sidelined him for many months.

"It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee, at times, when it seemed 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. We've used the radar gun and the pace is getting up there."

The first match of the Ashes starts on 21 November in Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win on Australian soil since 2010-2011.

"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in net sessions, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka over a year back.

"The rehab hasn't just been a straight curve, it's been a bit up and down, but now I'm in a better place and hope to push forward for that game."

"I avoid making statements where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, 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, worries for Australia regarding the health of players have led to all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, beginning this weekend.

Australia already have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.

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

"He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the Ashes."

Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start on 28 October.