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The English fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" of being fit for the opening match of the Ashes series down under.

The cricketer has been sidelined since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan last winter and had an operation for a knee issue this spring.

The Champions Trophy and tour of India which came before marked his comeback after an elbow problem which sidelined him for many months.

"It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee sometimes, when you think that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."

"I got knocked back on several occasions, but during the training camp it's been going well. I've had the speed gun out and my speed is increasing."

The opener of the Ashes begins November 21st at Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series in Australia in over a decade.

"With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well in the practice games and in net sessions, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, whose last Test outing was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago.

"The rehab hasn't just been a smooth process, it's been a bit up and down, but now I'm in a better place and hope to push forward for that game."

"I never want to give an answer where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australia's Injury Worries

At the same time, worries for Australia over the fitness of squad members have led to player 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 July due to a back injury in his back.

"Green is unavailable for the India series after suffering mild side discomfort at training this week," the cricket board stated.

"Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the Ashes."

The third round of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start on 28 October.