Shane Warne: 'Michael Clarke may play in World Cup following successful surgery'

Australia captain Michael Clarke could take part in next year's Cricket World Cup following successful surgery on his right hamstring.

The 33-year-old was seen as a major doubt for the showpiece event, claiming that he may never be able to play cricket again due to the injury problem.

However, having undergone an operation earlier this week to rectify the issue, close friend Shane Warne revealed that Clarke's future outlook is now looking much better.

"It was the best result humanly possible they could have had for the operation," Warne told the Nine Network. "He is looking forward to trying to make a good comeback.

"It's a better result than expected. Previously the World Cup was a long shot - now he's more of a chance given how well the operation went."

Clarke was forced to pull out of Australia's ongoing series with India due to the injury.