Injured fast bowler James Pattinson is recovering faster than expected and still hopes to play a part in this summer's Ashes.
Pattinson ahead of schedule
Speaking to CATV on Friday, Pattinson says he will return to the crease next week ahead of schedule.
"It’s all going pretty well at the moment," said the Victorian quick.
"I had a scan on Tuesday morning and came back all clear, so all the healing part is over now and I can stuck into lifting some heavy weights and start back bowling next week and go from there.
"I got told it would be four weeks after I start running.
"I’ve got my first running session today so I start getting into the exciting stuff, which is good."
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Pattinson pulled up sore late during the Lord's Ashes Test in England with scans revealing he had suffered a stress fracture to his lower back.
He know hopes to play a major part in winning back the prized urn this summer.
"Third, fourth Test could be on the cards,"
"[I'm aiming for] the WACA.
"Hopefully it’s nice and green up there and I can get back into the Australian colours up at the WACA."
Pattinson is on the sidelines with fellow quicks Mitchell Starc and Jackson Bird following Australia's 3-0 Ashes defeat in England.