Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

“We have confidence that he will be fit for the first Test”

Australia coach Darren Lehmann has announced that he is confident all-rounder Shane Watson will be fit for the first Ashes Test, which gets underway on November 21 in Brisbane, after he sustained a hamstring injury during the final ODI against India in Bangalore.

Watson pulled up short when delivering the first ball of his sixth over and left the field immediately, however he did return to bat, smashing 49 runs from just 22 balls, which included two boundaries and an incredible six maximums.

It was recently confirmed that Watson had sustained a low-grade hamstring strain and it is understood that he will not play any Sheffield Shield cricket prior to the start of the Ashes.

“The reports from our medical team on Shane’s recovery from injury are pleasing,” Lehmann said. “He is making good progress and responding well to treatment. If that continues, we have confidence that he will be fit for the first Test.

“We won’t be taking any chances with his preparation, though, and he will miss next week’s Shield match between New South Wales and Queensland at Allan Border Field.

“We want him to continue his treatment, and if all goes to plan join the Australian team in camp for the first Test in Brisbane.”