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England's fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" of being fit 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 had an operation for a knee issue this spring.

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

"The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any cricket 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 the pace is getting up there."

The opener of the series starts on 21 November in 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 during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can put my hand up for the first Test," Wood continued, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago.

"The rehab hasn't just been a smooth process, it had its ups and downs, but now I'm in a better place and hope to push forward for that game."

"I avoid making statements where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I feel assured at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australian Fitness Concerns

Meanwhile, worries for Australia over the fitness of players has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, beginning this weekend.

Australia already have concerns over the condition of skipper 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 having experienced mild side discomfort at training this week," the cricket board stated.

"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is expected to be back to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the series."

The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins October 28th.