The bowler has not played a Test since August 2024.
England's fast bowler Mark Wood says he is "quietly confident" about his fitness for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia.
Wood has not played since a Champions Trophy defeat against Afghanistan in February and underwent surgery on a left knee injury in March.
That tournament and India series that preceded it was the 35-year-old's return from an elbow injury which sidelined him since August 2024.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any matches and my knee, at times, when you think that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I faced setbacks on several occasions, but in the tent [training camp] progress has been positive. I've had the speed gun out and my speed is increasing."
The opener of the series starts on 21 November in Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win in Australia since 2010-2011.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well in the practice games and in the nets, and can put my hand up for the first Test," added Wood, whose last Test outing versus Sri Lanka over a year back.
"The rehab hasn't just been a straight curve, it's been a bit up and down, but now I'm in a better place where i'm hoping to kick on for that game."
"I avoid making statements claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I feel assured at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
Australia's Fitness Concerns
Meanwhile, worries for Australia over the fitness of players have led to player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, which starts on Sunday.
The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year 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 short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the series."
The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start on 28 October.
