The injured Australia captain Michael Clarke says his recovery from hamstring surgery is running ahead of schedule as he races to be fit for the upcoming Cricket World Cup.
Australia cricket captain Michael Clarke Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Clarke confirmed he's started running since the surgery three weeks ago, after suffering the injury in the first Test win over India in Adelaide last month.
The 33-year-old will be named skipper of the 15-man Australian squad when it is officially announced on Sunday, but just when he will be fit to return to the field remains to be seen.
Clarke has previously said he is unlikely to be fit for Australia's opening match of the tournament, which is being played in New Zealand and Australia, against England at the MCG on February 14.
However, that might change with Clarke enjoying what he said was a quicker-than-expected recovery so far.
Clarke said he was doing three sessions of practice a day as he ramped up his preparation for the World Cup.
"It's going well; it's feeling really good," Clarke said.
"I'm slowly getting back into my running, but I'm not running too quickly."
"I'm three weeks post-surgery yesterday and I'm happy, the surgeon is extremely happy and the Australian medical staff are happy."
"I just have to make sure I don't do too much and progress as slowly as I need to. But as it is, I'm ahead of schedule and everyone is extremely pleased."