Michael Clarke has claimed that he is confident of returning from injury in time to lead Australia at the World Cup.
The 33-year-old was forced to undergo surgery on a hamstring problem after injuring himself during the win over India in the first Test earlier this month.
Steve Smith was drafted in to replace him as captain while he recovers, but Clarke is optimistic that he will be ready for the tournament.
"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.
"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."
Australia start their World Cup campaign against England on February 13.
