JOHANNESBURG, Feb 3 (Reuters) - Australia have not given up hope of key batsman Michael Bevan recovering from injury in time to play in the defending champions’ first World Cup match.

The left-hander tore a groin muscle in a one-day game against England on January 25 but has responded well to treatment, Australia spokesman Jonathan Rose told Reuters on Monday.

"He’s progressing really well and the medical staff, headed by physiotherapist Errol Alcott, are very pleased with his progress," Rose said.

"He’ll be monitored at the end of every day with a view to upping the level of his recovery work."

Australia are due play their first World Cup game against Pakistan in Johannesburg on February 11.

"But you can never put a finger on it with the human body and it’s very hard to say whether he’ll be fit for the first match," added Rose.

"The original time frame was two to three weeks from the time of the injury and he’s now nine days into recovery. Things are going well."

Bevan is one of Australia’s most important players, his average of 54.80 from 196 one-day international innings being the highest in history for anyone who has batted at least 20 times.

The 32-year-old, who helped Australia win the 1999 World Cup, usually occupies the crease in the final overs of an innings, staying calm and improvising freely to steer his side to their target on many occasions.