Australia should be firing on all cylinders for the first game of the cricket World Cup, with Michael Bevan increasingly optimistic about his recovery.

Bevan (groin) is set to join Glenn McGrath (back), Jason Gillespie (elbow), and Shane Warne (shoulder) in the Feb 11 clash against Pakistan in Johannesburg.

He said he felt his chance of playing any cricket in Africa was dashed immediately after straining his right groin while batting in the second tri-series final at the MCG on Sunday.

But the prognosis improved radically the next day after scans and a consultation with Australian Cricket Board medical officer Trefor James.

"It's not a case of being rested (for the first game) it's a case of will I be fit," Bevan said in Sydney.

"I'd like to think I'd play that, and the best case scenario seems to suggest that I will be fit around that time."

Gillespie made an eye-catching return for South Australia in a one-day game against Tasmania.

In his first major effort since damaging elbow ligaments three weeks ago, he claimed 1-28 from 10 outstanding overs.

His bowling was both economical and hostile and dispelled any lingering doubts about his readiness.

Warne, who claimed he was back near his best, dismissed England's Michael Vaughan and Alec Stewart in the second one-day final at the MCG and finished with 2-58 from his 10.

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