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The English pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry down under.

The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery for a knee issue this spring.

That tournament and tour of India which came before marked his comeback after an elbow problem that had kept him out for many months.

"It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee sometimes, when it seemed 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 my speed is increasing."

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

"With luck, I'll be performing well, delivering effectively in the practice games and in the nets, and can put my hand up 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 and hope to push forward toward the match."

"I never want to give an answer claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australian Fitness Concerns

Meanwhile, Australia's concerns regarding the health of players has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, beginning this weekend.

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

"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 to play in round three of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the series."

The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins October 28th.