Australia batsman Michael Clarke says the way he is recovering from surgery on his hamstring he is still hopeful of leading his country at next year's World Cup.
The 33-year-old tore the muscle during the first test against India and was ruled out for the series, prompting speculation his latest injury could spell the end of his career.
The right-hander has a chronic back problem that causes hamstring injuries and Clarke had been battling to make the field for the delayed first test before suffering back spasms while batting and then injured his hamstring in the field.
'The biggest thing for me at the moment is getting back on the field for the World Cup,' Clarke wrote in his column for News Ltd. newspapers on Wednesday ahead of the tournament in Australia and New Zealand which starts on February 14.
'I have been told by medical staff that I am in as good a condition as I can be a week after undergoing the surgery. There is no swelling and no pain when I walk.
'I can't wait to begin stage two of the rehab process which involves starting to run again.'
Clarke also backed his under-fire veterans Chris Rogers, Shane Watson and Brad Haddin, who have all suffered recent batting slumps, and said their experience would be invaluable as Australia look to defend the Ashes next year in England.
'Personally, I hope all three of them are on the plane to England for next year's Ashes series,' Clarke added. 'They bring so much more to the table than just their batting.
Clarke added that he would be part of the television commentary team for the Melbourne test, which begins on Friday.
Australia hold a 2-0 lead in the four-match series after winning in Adelaide by 48 runs and in Brisbane by four wickets.
