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The English fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the opening match of the Ashes series down under.

Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan in February and had an operation for a knee issue this spring.

The Champions Trophy and India series that preceded it marked his comeback after an elbow problem that had kept him out for many months.

"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee, at times, when you think I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."

"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 first match of the series begins November 21st in Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win on Australian soil in over a decade.

"With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well during warm-up matches and in net sessions, and can make my case for the first Test," added Wood, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka over a year back.

"My recovery wasn't a smooth process, it had its ups and downs, but now I'm in a better place where i'm hoping to kick on for that game."

"I avoid making statements claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I feel assured at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."

Australian Injury Worries

Meanwhile, worries for Australia over the fitness of squad members has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, beginning this weekend.

Australia already have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since July because of lumbar bone stress in his back.

"Green is unavailable of the [India] series having experienced low-grade side soreness at training this week," the cricket board stated.

"Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back for the third round of domestic cricket to further prepare for the Ashes."

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