All-rounder Shane Watson has suffered a minor calf strain ahead of Australia’s first Test against South Africa, which will prevent him from bowling in the series opener starting on Friday.
Watson limped from the field on Saturday during New South Wales’ Sheffield Shield match against Queensland and scans have shown the 31-year-old strained a calf muscle.
Australia’s selectors were expected on Sunday to name standby players for Watson and veteran batsman Ricky Ponting, who missed a match for his Tasmania state because of a hamstring strain.
Ponting is expected to be fit to play in Brisbane but Watson’s participation in the match at best might be curtailed. Captain Michael Clarke told reporters it was possible Watson would play the first Test at Brisbane’s Gabba ground as a specialist batsman.
“He’s shown in all three forms he’s a very good batter, he’s a top player for us,” Clarke said “Fingers crossed, I’d love to see him fully fit and batting and bowling. That would be a bonus.”
Clarke said Australia would find a way to beat South Africa, even without Watson.
“You look at our performance last summer. He didn’t play one Test match and we beat India 4-0,” Clarke said.
“We’ll find a way. We did last summer and if Watto’s not available somebody will come in and grab that opportunity. I’d love him to be fit but if he’s not we’ll find a way.”
via The Hindu Newspaper http://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/shane-watson-suffers-calf-strain/article4064531.ece
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