The bowler has been absent from Test cricket for over a year.
The English pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the first Test of the Ashes series down under.
Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan last winter and had an operation for a knee issue this spring.
That tournament and tour of India which came before was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem that had kept him out since August 2024.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee sometimes, when you think 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 the pace is getting up there."
The first match of the series begins November 21st at Perth, with England aiming to win their first Test series on Australian soil in over a decade.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, bowling well in the practice games and in the nets, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, whose last Test outing was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago.
"My recovery wasn't a straight curve, it had its ups and downs, but now I'm in a better place where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match."
"I avoid making statements where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm ready'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
At the same time, Australia's concerns over the fitness of squad members have led to all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, which starts on Sunday.
Australia already have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since July due to a back injury in his back.
"Green is unavailable for the India series having experienced low-grade side soreness at training this week," Cricket Australia said.
"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return for the third round of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the Ashes."
Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start October 28th.
