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Calcutta: Shane Watson, the Sydney Morning Herald has reported, is in doubt for the entire Test series against India, with the Australian all-rounder and vice-captain still yet to resume batting or bowling in his recovery from hamstring and calf injuries.
And as Watson’s prospects nosedived, there was more concern for Australia on Tuesday when Ed Cowan spent large periods of the second day of the first Test off the field receiving treatment for back soreness. The opener top-scored on debut in Australia’s first innings with a thoughtful 68 but was replaced by substitute fielder Dan Christian for much of Tuesday’s play.
Watson, 30, had appeared in the mix for the Boxing Day Test when he was included in coach Mickey Arthur’s three-day batting camp in Melbourne last week.
However, he did not strap on a pad at that gathering and his prospects for the remaining three Tests of the Indian series look dim based on his current progress. Watson continues to work closely with Australian team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris but their sessions have been confined to the MCG gym this week, not the nets.
“He had a gym session on Tuesday with Alex but he is not batting or bowling yet,” a Cricket Australia spokesman said. “He is a work in progress.”
Watson, who has not played in five weeks, spoke at a Cricket Australia corporate lunch at the MCG on Tuesday, saying it hurt him not to be involved in the Boxing Day Test.
There looks set to be more disappointment ahead with Watson appearing certain to be unavailable for next week’s second Test in Sydney and in increasing doubt for the third and fourth matches in Perth and Adelaide.
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