Injured Australian vice-captain David Warner is hopeful he can return for NSW's day-night Sheffield Shield match before the Test series against New Zealand gets underway on November 5.
The left-handed opener has not played since suffering a broken thumb five weeks ago in a the one-day international against England at Lords.
Warner revealed on Tuesday his last X-ray 11 days ago showed the thumb was still broken, but he'd been told that was quite normal.
"Today is five weeks, it should have healed by the end of this week," said Warner, who will have another X-ray on Friday.
"Next Monday I want to try and have a hit ... I'll see on Friday with the X-ray how it is."
The injury has forced Warner to miss this month's interstate one-day competition which the rest of the Australian squad players are playing following the cancellation of the Bangladesh tour.
That leaves Warner with just a single Sheffield Shield game to show form and fitness before the first Test against the Kiwis at the Gabba.
That shield match against South Australia at Adelaide Oval is doubly important because it will be a day-nighter played with a pink ball to simulate conditions for the historic first day-night Test - the second of the three-Test series against New Zealand - at the same ground.
"I would like to play a shield game. I would love to have a hit against the pink ball especially," said Warner. "That (day-night Test) is one thing I am looking forward to this summer."
"And for my peace of mind as well. I've got to be in the best form I can be come that first Test."
The first Test will mark the first outing for the new Test leadership duo of captain Steve Smith and his deputy Warner, leading a new-look team following the high-profile retirements of recent months.
"I am excited for Steve to lead this new group and new era of players," Warner said.
"There is a lack of experience there, but we all have confidence in Steve leading this team forward.
"Last year he had a taste of it (against India). He scored a lot of runs and he said he wants to lead by example."
Warner said being appointed vice-captain meant a lot to him.
"I have sat down and had a big think about what my role is and that is to make Steve's job a lot easier, whether that is on or off the field.
"I just want to be an ear for any of the guys that need to speak to anyone that's experienced and not having them always have to go to Steve.
"And I will help him tactically if he needs my help on the field ... but he knows the game so well."
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