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The English fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the opening match of the Ashes series down under.

Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan last winter and had an operation for a knee issue this spring.

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

"The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee, at times, when you think I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there."

"I got knocked back 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 in Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win in Australia since 2010-2011.

"With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well during warm-up matches and in net sessions, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, whose last Test outing was against Sri Lanka over a year back.

"The rehab hasn't just been a straight curve, it's been a bit up and down, but now I'm in a better place 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 set'. I feel assured at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australia's Fitness Concerns

At the same time, 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 with India, which starts on Sunday.

The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July 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.

"Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back to play in round three of domestic cricket to further prepare for the Ashes."

Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins on 28 October.