Murali Kartik hopes to return before World Cup

New Delhi, May 31 (UNI) Recuperating from an operation on his bowling shoulder, Murali Kartik is eyeing a county stint with Lancashire and the left-arm spinner hopes to recover well in time to be in the fray for next year's World Cup.

Talking to reporters here today, Kartik said, ''The operation went off quite well and I'm in the 10th week of my rehabilitation. I can't set a date of my return to action but I'll be back.

''Actually once you go under the knife, you have to be sure about yourself and only then you can decided on your comeback,'' he said after attending the launch of the official LG ICC Players Rankings website.

Kartik admitted it's a difficult phase, staying away from the game and recuperating.

''It's difficult. In fact every time you sustain an injury, it's a setback for you because you are going to sit out for months. Then doubt creeps in to your mind and this is my bowling arm. It's a big challenge for any sportsman and so is it for me,'' he said.

Asked if the injury jeopardised his World Cup hopes, Kartik said, ''This is precisely why me, Rahul (Dravid) and Greg (Chappell) decided in Pakistan that I have to get it operated even if it involves four-five months' break. This was a conscious decision by me and the team management keeping the World Cup in view.'' ''I have been plagued by this problem for the last seven-eight months. It started when I was playing for Lancashire and then we had the home series. And in the first game in Pakistan, I was struggling. More than bowling, I was having problems with my throwing,'' he added.

Kartik also revealed that he might have another county stint with Lancashire.

''I would like to play county cricket, some decent competitive cricket after full recovery of my shoulder. I played for Lancashire last year and they are still interested in me. Let's see what happens,'' he added.

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