Josh Hazlewood says he is ready to take his opportunity should he be recalled to Australia's side for the second Test at Lords.
Hazlewood was left out of the first Test as Australia scored an impressive 251-run victory at Edgbaston to take an early series lead.
The St George paceman was rested from the World Cup earlier in the northern summer as he recovered from stress fractures in his back.
Australia's selectors surprisingly left out Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc for the opening match of the Ashes, opting for Pat Cummins, James Pattinson and Peter Siddle as their pace options along with spinner Nathan Lyon.
Hazlewood spoke to the media after day two of Australia's three-day tour match against Worcestershire at Worcester on Friday (AEST). The 28-year-old took 3-34 as the home side made 9-201 before declaring, conceding a first innings lead of 65.
The Australians extended that advantage up to the close of play to finish the day at 1-92, an overall lead of 157.
"I'm handling it well, I think. Or as best as someone can," he said.
"I think coming back from a pretty serious back, or back to back stress fractures, can take a while to get back in the swing of things. And I feel [I'm] getting better and better with each bowl. Obviously last night and today felt really good.
"If I keep improving and keep putting my hand up every time I get the chance that's all I can do.
"Sids has obviously been playing a lot of cricket and the other two pick themselves. It's pretty stiff competition at the moment. It's a great group of guys. We all want everyone else to do well as a group and try and win the Ashes as a group of six, it's not us and them when we're playing. So it's fantastic at the moment."
Hazlewood nominated playing at Lords in an Ashes Test as the pinnacle and said he would be ready to take his opportunity if selected for the second Test, which starts on Wednesday.
"I've just played the one Test there. But I thought I got used to the slope pretty quickly and felt pretty comfortable there," he said.
"I think the conditions have been quite bowler-friendly there the last few Test matches. So I'd love an opportunity obviously."