MELBOURNE: Australia captain Michael Clarke doubts he will be fit for the start of the World Cup in February but hopes to be back at some stage during the tournament.

Clarke had surgery on his injured hamstring after straining it for a fourth time in as many months during the first test against India in Adelaide.

Clarke came out of the surgery feeling positive but conceded on Saturday he would struggle to be fit for Australia’s opening match against England on Feb 14.

“I’m really confident that the way things are progressing at the moment, that if I continue ticking the boxes, I’ll be a really good chance for the World Cup,” Clarke told host broadcaster Channel Nine.

“I think I’ll certainly be fit and available for the majority of the World Cup. I’m hoping the selectors will give me the opportunity [to come back].”

Steven Smith has been leading the test side in Clarke’s absence while George Bailey led the one-day international team during the recent series victory at home against South Africa.

After hurting his hamstring in Adelaide, a distraught Clarke told reporters he had to face the possibility that he might never play again.

He has since rowed back on those comments and remains determined to take back the reins.

Published in Dawn, December 28th, 2014