Mark Wood accepts he "definitely" won't be able to make it through all five Ashes Tests, but England's pace ace hopes to emulate the feats of Brett Lee and Mitchell Johnson by producing devastating spells in Australia.

Wood was named for the Ashes opener at Perth Stadium despite only playing one low-key warm-up match since undergoing knee surgery in March.

The 35-year-old suffered hamstring tightness in that three-day warm-up match, but scans cleared him of injury.

Although it had been a 15-month break between Tests, Wood was still able to reach speeds in excess of 150km/h on Friday as Australia stumbled to 9-123 in reply to England's 172.

One shorter delivery, which was clocked at 147.1km/h, crashed into the helmet of Cameron Green and almost resulted in the towering allrounder stomping on his own stumps.

Wood finished the opening day with figures of 0-18 from five overs, and although he didn't finish with a wicket, his ability to reach high speeds will further fuel belief within the England camp.

"I think the speed gun will be a good test, try to push out as hard as I can," Wood told Fox Cricket before play started.

"They've got a few quick lads as well, so I've got to prove a point.

"(I will be bowling) short, sharp spells. We've got some Australian greats here ... I've seen how they've bowled in the past.

"Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee - short, sharp spells, as quick as they can. Try to make something happen, change the game in a three-over spell.

"Try to take a wicket, and then someone else can come on and do the hard yards."

Wood's durability remains a big question mark, and he confirmed there was no way he was going to play all five Tests this series.

"Definitely not play five. I think it just depends. I think review it after every game," Wood said.

"Yes I haven't played a lot of cricket, but I've been there before.

"I'm hoping I'm fresh enough to have the speed gun up but also I've done a little bit work (so) that I can compete throughout the Test match and keep it up."

England opted not to name a specialist spinner for the first Test, instead unleashing a four-pronged pace attack that will be complemented by star allrounder Ben Stokes.

Stokes finished day one with figures of 5-23, while Jofra Archer (2-11 off nine overs) and Brydon Carse (2-45) were also effective.

Former Australia star Lee, who was one of the world's fastest bowlers during his 76-Test career, was happy to see Wood in England's XI.

"I love it," Lee said.

"He bowls 150 consistently. He's 35 years of age, but that's not a worry. He'll steam in."