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The English pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry down under.

Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery on a left knee injury in March.

That tournament and India series that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury that had kept him out for many months.

"The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee sometimes, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there."

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

The first match of the series begins November 21st in Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win in Australia since 2010-2011.

"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can put my hand up for the first Test," added Wood, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka over a year back.

"My recovery wasn't a smooth process, it had its ups and downs, but now I'm in a better place where i'm hoping to kick on for that game."

"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 quietly confident."

Australia's Injury Worries

Meanwhile, Australia's concerns over the fitness of squad members has resulted in player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, beginning this weekend.

The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.

"Green is unavailable for the India series after suffering low-grade side soreness at training this week," the cricket board stated.

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

Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament begins on 28 October.