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ICC Cricket World Cup: Australia captain Michael Clarke on course to return for World Cup

Image: Michael Clarke had feared he would miss the tournament in Australia and New Zealand.

Michael Clarke is "ahead of schedule" in his bid to be fit for next month's World Cup, Australia coach Darren Lehmann has revealed.

Australia's selectors said the 33-year-old must recover from a hamstring injury to play in his team's second World Cup match, against Bangladesh on February 21st, to retain his place.

But Lehmann said Clarke is on track to play in some of his team’s World Cup warm-up matches.

Lehmann said: "He's had a couple of bats in the nets, which is a really good thing for us.

 “Fingers crossed, but he's ahead of schedule.

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“We'd love him to play some warm-up games, but we'll be guided by the medical staff there."

The batsman tore his right hamstring during the first Test against India last month, ruling him out of the following three Tests and threatening his place at the tournament.

Clarke had surgery in December and physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said a review by the surgeon in Melbourne had been positive.

"Michael is progressing well in his rehab and is currently running on a regular basis and has commenced batting," Kountouris said in a statement.

"He remains on track for a return to play by February 21, the date we spoke of when the squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup was announced."

The Aussies start their World Cup campaign against England on February 14th.

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