HOVE (Reuters) - Injured Australia captain Steve Waugh is clinging to the hope of returning for the fifth and final Ashes Test despite conceding that his chances of playing are "tiny". Waugh, who suffered a torn left calf muscle as his side took a 3-0 unbeatable lead in the series against England at Trent Bridge a week ago, has already been ruled out of next week's fourth Test.

He said: "When I did the injury I gave myself a nought percent chance of being back for The Oval. While I'm improved since then, I still have to give myself only a tiny chance of being ready by then."

Waugh is undergoing intensive rehabilitation work with Australia physiotherapist Errol Alcott, including pool and bike work. He is walking unaided again after spending a couple of days on crutches.

Alcott said: "He has improved but there are two tears -- he's got a mountain in front of him." But he added: "He's a tough man and it takes a brave one to write him off too quickly."

Alcott had earlier said that such injuries normally took between four and six weeks to heal. Waugh, keen to see his side pull off a 5-0 series whitewash, has only three available.

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