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England's fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the first Test of the Ashes series down under.

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

That tournament and tour of India which came before was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury that had kept him out for many months.

"The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee, at times, when you think 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. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."

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

"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well in the practice games and in the nets, and can put my hand up for the first Test," Wood continued, whose last Test outing was against Sri Lanka over a year back.

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

"I avoid making statements claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I feel assured at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident."

Australia's Injury Worries

At the same time, worries for Australia over the fitness of squad members has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, which starts on Sunday.

The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since July due to a back injury in his back.

"Green is unavailable for the India series having experienced mild side discomfort at training this week," the cricket board stated.

"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is expected to be back for the third round of domestic cricket to further prepare for the series."

The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins on 28 October.