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England's pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia.

Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss by Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery for a knee issue this spring.

The Champions Trophy and India series which came before marked his comeback from an elbow injury that had kept him out for many months.

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

"I got knocked back a couple of times, but in the tent [training camp] it's been going well. We've used the radar gun and my speed is increasing."

The first match of the series starts on 21 November at Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series 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, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka over a year back.

"My recovery wasn't a smooth process, it's been a bit up and down, but now I'm in a better place and hope to push forward for that game."

"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 feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."

Australia's Fitness Concerns

At the same time, Australia's concerns regarding the health of squad members has resulted in player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, which starts on Sunday.

Australia already have doubts about the fitness of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July due to a back injury affecting his spine.

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

"Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return for the third round of domestic cricket to further prepare for the series."

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