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England's fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" about his fitness for the first Test of the Ashes series in Australia.

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

That tournament and tour of India that preceded it marked his comeback after an elbow problem that had kept him out for many months.

"It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee sometimes, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."

"I got knocked back 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 first match of the series begins November 21st 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, bowling well in the practice games and in net sessions, and can make my case for the first Test," added Wood, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago.

"My recovery wasn't a smooth process, it had its ups and downs, but I'm in a good position now and hope to push forward toward the match."

"I avoid making statements claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australian 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 ODI series with India, which starts on Sunday.

Australia already have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July because of lumbar bone stress in his back.

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

"He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the series."

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