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Shane Watson
may yet play in the opening Ashes Test after scans showed his hamstring
injury was only a low-grade strain, but his chances depend on how he
responds to "intense treatment and rehabilitation" over the coming days.
Watson suffered the injury while bowling during Australia's final ODI
in India on Saturday, less than three weeks before the Gabba Test.
His availability in Brisbane will have ramifications for the balance of
Australia's side, for if he is ruled out or unable to bowl, the
selectors would need to consider another allrounder to provide an extra
bowling option. Watson remains confident he will be fit to bowl during
the Test, but Australia's physio Alex Kountouris said much would depend
on the next few days.
"Since returning home from India, Shane has been assessed and had scans
on his injured left hamstring, which confirm a low-grade muscle strain,"
Kountouris said. "He will have intense treatment and rehabilitation in
Sydney over the coming days and just how well he responds to this will
determine how quickly he can resume full training and match preparation.
"It goes without saying that Shane and the medical team will be doing
everything possible to get him fit and available for selection ahead of
the first Test. We'll be assessing him on a daily basis and expect to
have a clearer picture of his progress later in the week."
Whatever the case, Watson is unlikely to have any first-class cricket
before the Ashes opener, given that New South Wales have only one more
Sheffield Shield match - against Queensland at the Gabba starting next
Wednesday - before the Test. Watson ended the Ashes tour of England with
176 at The Oval, which effectively locked him in as the incumbent No.3
for the start of the home series.
If Watson is fit to bat and bowl, he would be expected to remain at
first drop with another batsman, perhaps the Tasmania captain George
Bailey, to slot in down the order. However, should Watson be ruled out
it might affect Bailey's chances of a Test debut, for he is considered a
middle-order player rather than a batsman who could fit in the top
three.
In that case, Bailey's Tasmania team-mate Alex Doolan might be
considered for his first Test as the No.3, while James Faulkner may take
the allrounder's role and Brad Haddin could move up to No.6. However,
as well as Watson's recovery over the next few days, the coming week
will also provide clarity on the form of several batting contenders,
with three Shield matches and an Australia A v England tour game all
starting on Wednesday.
Brydon Coverdale is an assistant editor at ESPNcricinfo. He tweets here
Feeds: Brydon Coverdale
© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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