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

The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery on a left knee injury in March.

The Champions Trophy and India series which came before was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem which sidelined him for many months.

"The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee sometimes, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there."

"I got knocked back a couple of times, but in the tent [training camp] it's been going well. We've used the radar gun and the pace is getting up there."

The first match of the series starts on 21 November at Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win on Australian soil in over a decade.

"With luck, I'll be performing well, delivering effectively in the practice games and in net sessions, and can make my case 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'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 claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place currently and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident."

Australia's Injury Worries

Meanwhile, worries for Australia regarding the health of squad members have led to all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, beginning this weekend.

Australia already have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year due to a back injury affecting his spine.

"Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series after suffering mild side discomfort during recent practice," the cricket board stated.

"He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return for the third round of domestic cricket to further prepare for the series."

The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins on 28 October.