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England's pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry down under.

The cricketer has been sidelined since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan last winter and had an operation on a left knee injury this spring.

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

"The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any matches and my knee sometimes, when you think I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."

"I got knocked back a couple of times, but during the training camp it's been going well. I've had the speed gun out and my speed is increasing."

The first match of the series starts on 21 November in Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series on Australian soil since 2010-2011.

"With luck, I'll be performing well, delivering effectively in the practice games and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for the first Test," added Wood, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka over a year back.

"The rehab hasn't just been a smooth process, it's been a bit up and down, 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, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I feel assured at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australia's Injury Worries

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

The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year due to a back injury affecting his spine.

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

"He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is expected to be back to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the series."

The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start October 28th.