Injured Australia captain Michael Clarke yesterday said his recovery from hamstring surgery was ahead of schedule as he races against the clock to be fit for next month’s cricket World Cup.
Clarke said he had begun running since the surgery three weeks ago, after suffering the injury in the first Test win over India in Adelaide almost a month ago.
Clarke, 33, is expected to be named skipper of the 15-man Australia squad, 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 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Feb. 14.
However, he said he was experiencing a quicker-than-expected recovery and could yet be ready to play.
Speaking on Channel Nine’s television coverage of the fourth Test against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Clarke said he was doing three sessions of practice daily as he ramped up his preparation for the World Cup.
“It’s going well, it’s feeling really good,” Clarke said. “I’m slowly getting back into my running, but I’m not running too quickly.”
“I’m three weeks post-surgery yesterday [Tuesday] and I’m happy, the surgeon is extremely happy and the Australian medical staff are happy,” he said. “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.”
It has been a frustrating time for Clarke after he overcame a left hamstring injury to play the opening Adelaide Test against India, but suffered a flare-up of a back condition on day one.
Clarke retired hurt, returning to the crease the next day and completing a courageous and well-received hundred.
Clarke then injured his right hamstring while fielding on the final day, with scans ruling him out of the rest of the four-Test series.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely