Cricket World Cup: Australia captain Michael Clarke recovering well after surgery

Australia captain Michael Clarke has revealed his recovery from hamstring surgery is ahead of schedule as he attempts to prove his fitness for next month's World Cup.

Clarke has started running after undergoing an operation three weeks ago, after he was injured during the first Test win over India in Adelaide almost a month ago.

The 33-year-old is expected to be named skipper of the 15-man Australia squad for the World Cup when it is officially announced on Sunday, but it is unclear when he will be fit to return to the field.

Clarke has previously said he is unlikely to be fit for Australia's opening match of the tournament against England in Melbourne on February 14.

But Clarke now believes he could be ready for that match after his quicker-than-expected recovery and he is taking part in three practice sessions a day.

"It's going well, it's feeling really good," Clarke said on Wednesday. "I'm slowly getting back into my running, but I'm not running too quickly.

"I'm three weeks post-surgery yesterday and I'm happy, the surgeon is extremely happy and the Australian medical staff are happy.

"I just have to make sure I don't do too much and progress as slowly as I need to. But as it is, I'm ahead of schedule and everyone is extremely pleased."

Steve Smith, who took over as captain after Adelaide, says he will have no problem handing the captaincy back to Clarke.

"I'm only temporary at the moment. It's Michael's team and when he comes back he can jump straight back in there," Smith said.

"He hasn't really been around the team while he's been out, so he's left it up to me and I've really enjoyed the responsibility and taking control of this team in his absence."