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England's pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" of being fit for the first Test of the Ashes series down under.

The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery on a left knee injury in March.

The Champions Trophy and tour of India which came before was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury which sidelined him for many months.

"The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee, at times, when you think 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 my speed is increasing."

The opener of the Ashes starts on 21 November at Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win in Australia in over a decade.

"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can make my case for the first Test," Wood continued, 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 claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I feel assured at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident."

Australian Injury Worries

Meanwhile, worries for Australia over the fitness of players has resulted in player 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 mid-year due to a back injury affecting his spine.

"Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series having experienced low-grade side soreness during recent practice," Cricket Australia said.

"He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the Ashes."

Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins October 28th.