James Anderson is planning to fly out to India at the start of next month to join the rest of England's Test squad.
England's record-breaking bowler will miss the two-Test series in Bangladesh, with his persistent shoulder injury ruling him out of that campaign.
But the 34-year-old is still confident he will be fit to play some part in the five-Test series against India which follows in November and December.
Following his latest medical consultation, he is on schedule to do so.
"I really want to get on the plane so I can meet the guys when they get to India at the start of November," Anderson told the Daily Mail.
"That is realistic. I've seen specialists, and they were on a similar wavelength."
Anderson acknowledges England's lack of tour fixtures before the first Test - they will effectively warm up in the Bangladesh series - is a potential issue for him.
But he said: "I definitely hope to play some part.
"I'm making good progress. It's a bit of trial and error when I start bowling again to see if I can cope with it. But it feels good and is going in the right direction."
Anderson is hopeful he can get back up to speed quickly, too.
"The issue for the selectors is that there's no cricket around that Test series, so it's not as if I can get overs under my belt," he said.
"But I don't think I need much cricket. It's not as if I've been out for six months. I won't be that rusty."
With a national record 463 Test wickets to his name, Anderson is hungry for more - including in next year's Ashes.
"If I can get the shoulder sorted, every other part of me feels great," he said.
"I feel as fit as I've ever been, and I'm still targeting Australia next winter."
