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

The cricketer has been sidelined since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery for a knee issue this spring.

That tournament and India series 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 was unable to participate in 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 in the tent [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 Ashes starts on 21 November in Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series in Australia in over a decade.

"With luck, I'll be performing well, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago.

"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 never want to give an answer where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I feel assured at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australia's Injury Worries

Meanwhile, worries for Australia over the fitness of players have led to player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, which starts on Sunday.

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

"Green is unavailable for the India series having experienced mild side discomfort during recent practice," the cricket board stated.

"He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return for the third round of domestic cricket to further prepare for the Ashes."

The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start October 28th.