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The English pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" of being fit for the opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry down under.

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

That tournament and India series that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem that had kept him out for many months.

"The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee, at times, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."

"I faced setbacks on several occasions, but during the training camp progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and the pace is getting up there."

The opener of the Ashes starts on 21 November 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 the nets, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, who last played a Test versus 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 avoid making statements where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident."

Australia's Injury Worries

Meanwhile, worries for Australia regarding the health of players has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series against India, which starts on Sunday.

The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress in his back.

"Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series having experienced mild side discomfort at training this week," the cricket board stated.

"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is expected to be back for the third round of domestic cricket to further prepare for the Ashes."

Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start on 28 October.