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England's pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry down under.

Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan in February and had an operation for a knee issue this spring.

The Champions Trophy and India series which came before marked his comeback from an elbow injury that had kept him out for many months.

"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any matches and my knee, at times, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."

"I got knocked back a couple of times, but during the training camp progress has been positive. I've had the speed gun out and the pace is getting up there."

The opener of the series starts on 21 November at Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series on Australian soil 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 14 months ago.

"The rehab hasn't just been a straight curve, it had its ups and downs, but now I'm in a better place and hope to push forward for that game."

"I never want to give an answer where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I feel assured at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australia's Injury Worries

Meanwhile, worries for Australia regarding the health of players have led to all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, which starts on Sunday.

The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since July because of lumbar bone stress in his back.

"Cameron Green has been ruled out for 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 tracking to return to play in round three of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the series."

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