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England's fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the first Test of the Ashes series down under.

The cricketer has been sidelined since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan in February and had an operation on a left knee injury in March.

That tournament and India series which came before marked his comeback after an elbow problem which sidelined him 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 that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."

"I faced setbacks on several occasions, but in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."

The opener of the series starts on 21 November in Perth, with England seeking victory in 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 the nets, and can put my hand up for the first Test," Wood continued, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka over a year back.

"My recovery wasn't a straight curve, it's been a bit up and down, 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 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, worries for Australia regarding the health 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 concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since July because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.

"Green is unavailable for the India series having experienced mild side discomfort during recent practice," the cricket board stated.

"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return to play in round three of domestic cricket to further prepare for the Ashes."

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