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The English pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry down under.

Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan last winter and had an operation on a left knee injury in March.

That tournament and tour of India that preceded it marked his comeback after an elbow problem which sidelined him for many months.

"The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee sometimes, when you think I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."

"I got knocked back a couple of times, 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 seeking victory in their initial series win in Australia in over a decade.

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

"I avoid making statements where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australia's Fitness Concerns

At the same time, Australia's concerns over the fitness of squad members have led to all-rounder 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's been absent since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.

"Green is unavailable for the India series after suffering low-grade side soreness during recent practice," Cricket Australia said.

"Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the Ashes."

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