Shane Watson is planning to bowl at training in London on Monday and is on track to perform his allrounder duties for Australia in the fifth Test at The Oval.
The 32-year-old was struck down by a groin injury during the fourth Test at Chester-le-Street and was unable to bowl past his seventh over of the second innings.
However, Watson has recovered quickly and was untroubled in his innings of 45 from 44 balls in the Australians’ drawn tour match against England Lions in Northampton on Saturday.
That’s good news for Australia, given Watson has bowled 81 overs in four Tests and has been key in applying pressure and assisting the three quicks.
Watson said he’ll build his bowling load and confidence up with a view to contributing in the Test starting on Wednesday.
“The injury I got during the Test match is something that just occasionally pops up in my groin so it’s something that does settle down pretty quickly,” Watson said.
“Hopefully I’ll be bowling and building it up to be able to make sure I can do a job in the Test match.
“The plan is at the moment to be able to bowl on Monday and make sure I’m confident.”
Watson credited Australian doctor Peter Brukner, who joined the side this year, for improving the durability of his body.
He said the groin problems he gets aren’t as serious as the calf and hamstring injuries that have troubled him in the past, but praised Brukner for speeding up his recovery times.
“The great thing here is the doctor we’ve got is someone who has made a significant difference to my body,” Watson said.
“The techniques he’s using to be able to release the tension that builds up in muscles has made a huge difference throughout this whole series so far.”
Gr8rWeStr
Guest
Faulkner has already played 8 ODIs, how many does it take to be blooded?
Gav
Guest
Better to blood Faulkner in the One Day series I believe.......that way he'll have some International Cricket under his belt before the home Ashes series. If Watson doesn't perform in the last test (and Faulkner performs in the one dayers) then I think we'd all be comfortable in sending Watson back to Sheild cricket to re capture some form.......or perish.....or disappear to the IPL .......be great to see what he chooses!!
Gr8rWeStr
Guest
I'd like to see Faulkner given a run, but all indications are that Watson will play and bowl. Surely this is a perfect opportunity to give Faulkner a taste of Test cricket and see how what he offers might standard up to that level. Given the comparative recent form of Faulkner and Watson I don't think the gap between the two is significant. First class batting averages for the last 2 years are almost identical, Faulkner 30.55 v Watson 31.48, and Faulkner has the better bowling average, Faulkner 23.55 v Watson 29.76. 'm convinced the CA hierarchy are clinging on to the belief that Watson can return to his peak form of 2009 and 2010, but at 32 that becomes increasingly unlikely with the passing of time. Faulkner is only 23.
Kev
Guest
Watson has more injuries and health problems than my 93 year old grandfather. When are we going to move on from this underachieving hack?
Glenn Innis
Guest
He is a handy bowler but doesn't take many wickets and I don't believe he is a test class batsmen, if we had more talent sniffing around you would have no hesitation in punting him - but sadly we don't.
Chris
Guest
Popping up quickly and settling back down again moments later is something he'll get more and more annoyed about as he gets older.
Jethro
Guest
"The injury I got during the Test match is something that just occasionally pops up in my groin so it’s something that does settle down pretty quickly" What are you, 14 Shane? Tuck it under your belt and move on son!
Richard
Guest
Time to give Faulkner a run. Watsons injury was significant in contributing to our loss in the last match, given his ability to slow the run rate and apply pressure. We just can't afford to have him break down again at a crucial time. Surely its time to move on.
Gippy
Guest
Oh, goody. I wonder how long he'll last before he acquires a new injury. Given his track record, I think I'd advise something no one else has ever had, just to keep us guessing. Pity, because he's handy when fit.