Wood has not played a Test since August 2024.
The English pace spearhead Mark Wood says he is "cautiously optimistic" about his fitness for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry down under.
The cricketer has been sidelined following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery for a knee issue this spring.
The Champions Trophy and India series which came before was the 35-year-old's return after an elbow problem that had kept him out since August 2024.
"It was a frustrating summer," Wood explained. "I was unable to participate in any matches and my knee, at times, when it seemed I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I got knocked back 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 first match of the Ashes begins November 21st at Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win on Australian soil since 2010-2011.
"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well during warm-up matches and in net sessions, and can put my hand up for that game [Ashes opener]," Wood continued, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka over a year back.
"My recovery wasn't a smooth process, it's been a bit up and down, but I'm in a good position now and hope to push forward toward the match."
"I avoid making statements claiming, 'I'm fully ready, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident."
Meanwhile, worries for Australia over the fitness of players has resulted in all-rounder Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series against India, beginning this weekend.
Australia already have concerns over the condition of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since mid-year due to a back injury in his back.
"Green is unavailable of the [India] series having experienced low-grade side soreness during recent practice," the cricket board stated.
"He will undergo a brief rehab stint and is tracking to return for the third round of domestic cricket to further prepare for the series."
Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition begins on 28 October.
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