Michael Clarke Starts Bowling, Recovery Gathers Pace

Michael Clarke's comeback from injury gathered pace Thursday with the Australian captain sending down two overs and taking a sharp catch for a Cricket Australia XI against Bangladesh.

The 33-year-old was forced onto the sidelines after the first Test against India in December with a serious hamstring injury that required surgery and is battling to be fit for the World Cup starting next week.

In his first outing since then, Clarke took to the Allan Border Field in Brisbane, fielding on the boundary rope and in the slips and even bowling two overs of spin in the unofficial one-dayer. (Michael Clarke Swings Baseball Bat in Practice)

Cricket Australia said on its website he looked untroubled before departing after two hours, presumably to the physio's table.

Cricket Australia have given Clarke until Australia's second pool match against Bangladesh on February 21 to prove his fitness for the World Cup. (Michael Clarke Gets Darren Lehmann's Backing as Australia Captain)

Coach Darren Lehmann on Wednesday suggested Clarke could resume playing earlier than expected, saying "fingers crossed he might be" as he threw his support behind him to return as captain.

In his injury absence, Steve Smith has filled in as captain with great success, with reports this week suggesting the team prefer him to Clarke.