Andrew Strauss thinks fit-again Mark Wood may be able to put himself back in the frame for this summer's Champions Trophy.
Fast bowler Wood has undergone two operations on his left ankle, and last played for England six months ago during a short-lived comeback in the one-day international series at home to Pakistan.
The 27-year-old has been back in action over the past week, however, in the inaugural North-South series in the United Arab Emirates - where England and Wales Cricket Board director Strauss has been among the interested spectators.
After watching Wood bowl in two of the three matches over five days, Strauss is encouraged by his progress.
"I think he has got a chance, absolutely," he told Sky Sports News.
"No one wants to push him too hard, (but) we hope he'll be fit enough to be put forward for selection (this summer).
"I'm really pleased to see him on the park again."
England are also hoping Wood can add at some point to his eight Test caps - with series at home to South Africa and West Indies before next winter's Ashes in Australia.
Wood told Sky Sports he was delighted to return to action and had suffered no reaction to the injury.
The Durham quick said: "From a personal point of view I'm really pleased with how the trip has gone.
"I came on the trip hoping I might get one game. I've ended up with two and not so much pain in there so I'm really pleased.
"I'm just building up into the season where hopefully I can bowl more and get myself back into the international scene.
"I've got to start the season with Durham in the County Championship - that will mean more overs so I can test my body and see where it's at. Then coming into Champions Trophy time that's when I'll hopefully be targeting for England."
