SYDNEY — Australia batsman Michael Clarke has said his recovery from surgery on his torn hamstring was progressing as expected and he still hoped to lead his country at next year's World Cup. The 33-year-old tore his hamstring 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 had been battling to make the field for the delayed first Test before suffering back spasms while batting and then injured his hamstring while fielding. “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 Wednesday ahead of the tournament in Australia and New Zealand which starts on Feb. 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 battled recent batting slumps, and said their experience would be invaluable as Australia looks 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. “It's crucial to have experienced guys like these in a team when you're bringing through youngsters like Joe Burns,” he said of the Queensland batsman expected to make his debut in the third Test against India at Melbourne this week. “I know how much I benefited over the years from the knowledge passed down to me by the seniors, and I'm sure Joe will be no different. I wish him all the best.” Clarke added that he would be part of the television commentary team for the Melbourne Test, which begins Friday. Australia holds a 2-0 lead in the four-match series after winning in Adelaide by 48 runs and in Brisbane by four wickets. Opener David Warner and all-rounder Shane Watson, meanwhile, both took part in training Wednesday as injury scares eased for Australia ahead of the Boxing Day Test against India. The pair returned to the fray during a Christmas Eve session at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Warner, batting for the first time since hurting his thumb in the second Test victory over India in Brisbane last week, was soon driving and hooking with little sign of discomfort. Watson, who was dazed when struck on the helmet by a bouncer Tuesday, took on a bowling machine in the indoor nets before moving outdoors. In a sure sign Warner was on the mend, he told reporters he would keep up the “banter” against the tourists, despite a spate of fines. Indians Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli and Ishant Sharma have all been fined for their conduct in the four-Test series, as has Warner after a heated exchange in the first Test in Adelaide. — Agencies
