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The English fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" about his fitness for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia.

The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery on a left knee injury in March.

That tournament and tour of India that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem 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, at times, when you think I was nearly fit, it was not just quite there."

"I faced setbacks 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 opener of the series begins November 21st at Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series in Australia in over a decade.

"With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well during warm-up matches and in net sessions, and can make my case for the first Test," Wood continued, whose last Test outing was against 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 never want to give an answer 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 quietly confident."

Australia's Injury Worries

Meanwhile, worries for Australia regarding the health of squad members have led to player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, beginning this weekend.

The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July because of lumbar bone stress in his back.

"Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series having experienced low-grade side soreness during recent practice," Cricket Australia said.

"He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation 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 begins October 28th.