Wood has been absent from Test cricket for over a year.
England's pace spearhead Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" of being fit for the first Test of cricket's greatest rivalry in Australia.
The cricketer has been sidelined since a Champions Trophy defeat by Afghanistan last winter and had an operation for a knee issue in March.
The Champions Trophy and tour of India that preceded it marked his comeback after an elbow problem that had kept him out since August 2024.
"The summer was disappointing," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any matches and my knee, at times, when you think I was nearly fit, it wasn't fully recovered."
"I got knocked back on several occasions, but during the training camp progress has been positive. I've had the speed gun out and my speed is increasing."
The first match of the Ashes starts on 21 November in Perth, with England aiming to win their initial series win in Australia since 2010-2011.
"With luck, I'll be performing well, delivering effectively during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can make my case for that game [Ashes opener]," added Wood, whose last Test outing was against Sri Lanka 14 months ago.
"The rehab hasn't just been a smooth process, it's been a bit up and down, but now I'm in a better place and hope to push forward toward the match."
"I avoid making statements where I say, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I'm in a confident place at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm cautiously hopeful."
At the same time, worries for Australia over the fitness of squad members have led to player Cameron Green being replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for the three-match one-day series with India, beginning this weekend.
Australia already have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who's been absent since mid-year because of lumbar bone stress in his back.
"Green is unavailable of the [India] series after suffering mild side discomfort during recent practice," the cricket board stated.
"He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return for the third round of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the series."
Round three of the Sheffield Shield tournament is scheduled to start on 28 October.
