Australia paceman James Pattinson believes he is on track for a Test return in India after recovering from a rib injury.
Pattinson has been out of international action since suffering the injury in the second Test against South Africa in Adelaide in November.
The 22-year-old played one Sheffield Shield match for Victoria last month before travelling to India for Australia's four-Test series.
Pattinson bowled nine overs in a tour match against an Indian Board XI in Chennai on Wednesday and has set his sights on a berth in the first Test on February 22.
"It's fantastic to be back out there after a bit of a layoff," he said.
"Playing Test cricket is a fantastic thing to do, so being away from that has been a bit disappointing.
"My comeback to cricket has been pretty good. I've managed to play a Shield game and get a lot of bowling in grade cricket and the game just gone.
"It is different conditions over here and a lot tougher on the body, but I'm feeling pretty good at the moment."
Pattinson will battle fellow seamers Peter Siddle, Jackson Bird, Mitchell Johnson and Mitchell Starc for a place in the Test team.
"Jackson Bird has come in and done really well, and Mitch Johnson's back," he said.
"I think it's fantastic we've got so many coming through and available at the one time.
"The competition for spots is a lot higher and it makes you work harder to get that spot."
Australia will continue their preparations for the first Test with a three-day tour match against India A in Chennai on Saturday.
