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The English fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the first Test of the Ashes series in Australia.

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

That tournament and India series which came before marked his comeback from an elbow injury that had kept him out for many months.

"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee, at times, when you think I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there."

"I faced setbacks on several occasions, but during the training camp it's been going well. I've had the speed gun out and the pace is getting up there."

The opener of the Ashes begins November 21st in Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series in Australia in over a decade.

"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can put my hand up for the first Test," added Wood, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago.

"The rehab hasn't just been a smooth process, it had its ups and downs, but I'm in a good position now where i'm hoping to kick on for that game."

"I never want to give an answer claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australian Fitness Concerns

At the same time, Australia's concerns over the fitness of squad members has resulted in player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, which starts on Sunday.

The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since July due to a back injury in his back.

"Green is unavailable of the [India] series having experienced mild side discomfort during recent practice," Cricket Australia said.

"He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back for the third round of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the series."

Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start on 28 October.