Australia captain Michael Clarke does not believe he is ready for the strain of a one-day international cricket despite featuring in a World Cup warm-up match on Thursday.
Clarke underwent surgery on a hamstring injury - an issue that he hinted could end his career - in December.
The Cricket Australia selectors still opted to pick Clarke for the World Cup despite his fitness struggles and the batsman is working towards a target of playing in the joint hosts' second Pool A match with Bangladesh on February 21.
He took a big step towards that goal as he fielded for 32 overs for a Cricket Australia XI versus a Bangladesh XI in an unofficial warm-up at Allan Border Field in the Brisbane suburb of Albion.
In addition to fielding seven more overs than expected, Clarke also bowled two overs of left-arm spin and scored 34 with the bat.
Despite those signs of progress, Clarke will not rush his comeback.
"The ideal world was to field for at least half the game. I managed 32 overs which was nice," Clarke said.
"The body feels good, I just got a bit more treatment now but I pulled up pretty well.
"I've been bowling for the past three weeks in the nets. The [CA XI] skipper [Ashton Turner] needed a couple of overs so he asked if I was happy to bowl and I was certainly happy to bowl a couple of overs there.
"Then to have a bat as well - it was another step forward. [In] my opinion, I think there's probably still a gap between where I am now and playing a one-day international for Australia. The fortunate thing is I've got plenty of time to close that gap."
Clarke does not expect to play a part in Australia's warm-up clash with India on Sunday, but is likely to be involved in their final practice meeting against United Arab Emirates three days later at the MCG.
"I would have liked a few more runs," Clarke added. "At this stage I don't think I'm playing that match [versus India].
"The plan is for me to join the boys in Adelaide, fly with the boys to Melbourne then play the practice match against the UAE."
