Michael Clarke has confirmed that he will return to action in Grade cricket this weekend as he looks to prove his fitness ahead of the World Cup.
Australia's captain has not played since injuring his hamstring in the first Test victory over India, and he was initially considered a major doubt for the tournament.
However, Clarke was still named in Australia's 15-man squad, and he will continue his recovery by batting for the Western Suburbs against Gordon on Saturday.
"It is exciting to be at this stage where I can consider walking onto a cricket field again and so, thanks to the guidance of the Cricket Australia medical staff and with the work I have put in, the signs are positive," the 33-year-old told reporters.
"But at the same time I know I have to respect the fact that I am on a daily programme and there is no point in us getting too far ahead of ourselves.
"I know I need to take things one step and one day at a time and so, for now, all I am doing is focusing on things day by day and with a belief in a positive outcome."
If Clarke comes through the game without suffering a setback he will play for a Cricket Australia XI fixture against Bangladesh's World Cup squad as a batsman and in a limited fielding capacity on February 5.
Australia begin their World Cup campaign against England on February 14, but Clarke is focusing on reaching full fitness in time for their second Pool A game with Bangladesh seven days later.
Callum Mulvihill
