The bowler has not played a Test for over a year.
The English fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "cautiously optimistic" of being fit for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia.
Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan in February and had an operation on a left knee injury this spring.
The Champions Trophy and tour of India that preceded it marked his comeback from an elbow injury that had kept him out for many months.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I didn't get to play any cricket and my knee sometimes, when you think that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I faced setbacks on several occasions, but during the training camp it's been going well. I've had the speed gun out and the pace is getting up there."
The first match of the series starts on 21 November in Perth, with England seeking victory in their initial series win in Australia in over a decade.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, who last played a Test versus Sri Lanka 14 months ago.
"The rehab hasn't just been a straight curve, it had its ups and downs, but I'm in a good position now where i'm hoping to kick on toward the match."
"I avoid making statements where I say, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I feel assured at the minute and more optimistic, so I'm quietly confident."
At the same time, 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 with India, beginning this weekend.
The Aussies also have concerns over the condition of captain Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year due to a back injury in his back.
"Green is unavailable for the India series after suffering low-grade side soreness at training this week," Cricket Australia said.
"Green will complete a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to further prepare for the Ashes."
The third round of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins October 28th.
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