And reborn fast bowler Rene Farrell credits a stringent fitness regime with the ACT Meteors for her international resurgence.

Farrell, 26, is on the cusp of a return to the Southern Stars for the first Ashes Test against England, starting on Friday at the WACA Ground in Perth.

The final side will not be named until the coin toss, but it's understood Farrell is pivotal in plans and could open the bowling.

It would be her first game in the green and gold since she claimed 5-23 in the second innings of Australia's seven-wicket win in the corresponding fixture in Sydney in 2011.

After taking a year away from the game, Farrell has recaptured her best form and fitness with the Meteors.

''[Meteors coach Andrew Dawson] has put a big emphasis on fitness and we've got a fitness guy in Sydney, which is fantastic for us Sydney-based players,'' she said.

''My fitness has improved since I last played [for Australia] and I've definitely noticed a difference. I understand the demands and know what I need to do to be a consistent performer at that level, and I'm just looking forward to seeing what I can contribute to the team.''

Farrell has played two Tests, 23 one-day internationals and 23 T20 matches for her country after making her international debut in 2007.

She joined the Meteors at the start of the 2012-13 summer, but was sidelined for the second half of the season with an ankle injury.

Farrell booked her spot on the Australian team with a five-wicket haul against a star-studded NSW Breakers side last month.

Her focus is on helping the Australian women replicate the success of the men's Test team.

''It means everything [to represent Australia],'' she said.

''That's what you work towards … you probably can't put the experience into words and we will be looking to put on a good performance and to back up the men as well.''

The winner of the women's Ashes will be determined by results from the Test, three one-day internationals and three Twenty20 internationals.