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England's fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" about his fitness for the opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry down under.

Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery on a left knee injury this spring.

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

"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any cricket and my knee sometimes, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."

"I faced setbacks on several occasions, but in the tent [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 series begins November 21st in Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win in Australia in over a decade.

"Hopefully, I'm in form, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for the first Test," Wood continued, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka over a year back.

"The rehab hasn't just been 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 never want to give an answer where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australian Injury Worries

At the same time, worries for Australia over the fitness of players have led to all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, beginning this weekend.

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.

"Green is unavailable of the [India] series after suffering low-grade side soreness during recent practice," Cricket Australia said.

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

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