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The English pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the first Test of the Ashes series in Australia.

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 India series that preceded it 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 matches 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 during the training camp progress has been positive. I've had the speed gun out and my speed is increasing."

The opener of the series begins November 21st at Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win in Australia in over a decade.

"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively in the practice games and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for the first Test," added Wood, 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 never want to give an answer claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I feel assured at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident."

Australian Injury Worries

Meanwhile, Australia's concerns regarding the health of players have led to player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, which starts on Sunday.

Australia already have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year due to a back injury affecting his spine.

"Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series after suffering 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 to play in round three of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the Ashes."

Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start on 28 October.