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The English pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" of being fit for the opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia.

The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan in February and had an operation on a left knee injury in March.

That tournament and tour of India which came before was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury which sidelined him 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 first match of the series starts on 21 November in Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win on Australian soil in over a decade.

"With luck, I'll be performing well, delivering effectively in the practice games and in the nets, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka over a year back.

"My recovery wasn't a smooth process, it had its ups and downs, but I'm in a good position now where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match."

"I never want to give an answer where I say, '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."

Australia's Injury Worries

Meanwhile, worries for Australia regarding the health of squad members have led to player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, beginning this weekend.

Australia already have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since July because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.

"Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series after suffering mild side discomfort during recent practice," Cricket Australia said.

"He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return for the third round of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the series."

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