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England's fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the opening match of cricket's greatest rivalry down under.

Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan last winter and had an operation for a knee issue in March.

The Champions Trophy and tour of India which came before marked his comeback from an elbow injury which sidelined him for many months.

"The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee, at times, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."

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

The opener 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 the nets, and can make my case for the first Test," Wood continued, whose last Test outing versus 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 where i'm hoping to kick on for that game."

"I never want to give an answer 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."

Australian Fitness Concerns

Meanwhile, worries for Australia over the fitness of squad members has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, which starts on Sunday.

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

"Cameron Green has been ruled out of the [India] series after suffering low-grade side soreness during recent practice," the cricket board stated.

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

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