Shane Watson’s injury woes have continued with the veteran all-rounder ruled out of Australia’s one-day tour of Zimbabwe.
The 33-year-old sprained his right ankle after stepping on a ball during training on Saturday in Brisbane.
Phil Hughes will take Watson’s place in the 14-man squad for the triangular series against Zimbabwe and South Africa starting in Harare on August 25.
Australian team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said Watson’s injury wouldn’t recover quickly enough for it to be worthwhile taking him on the two-week tour.
Kountouris said Watson should be fit for selection for the Test series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates in late October.
“His ankle is currently swollen and sore, but expected to recover with a period of rest,” he said.
“Due to the compact nature of the tour, we’ve made a decision that Shane would be unlikely to recover sufficiently in time for the series.
“He will return to Sydney in coming days to continue his recovery and be ready for the tour of the UAE.”
Hughes, overlooked when the initial squad was announced, will join the team following his current commitments for Australia A in Townsville.
Chairman of selectors Rod Marsh said Hughes deserved the opportunity to replace Watson.
“As I’ve said previously, Phil was unlucky not to be picked in the initial squad after showing some great form in the Australia A series and was the natural choice to come in for Shane,” Marsh said.
“The NSP (national selection panel) is very happy with the bowling depth in the squad but Watson’s absence has meant another top order batsman is necessary.”
mattyb
Guest
Yep,and wade should see the wall has already been written on.if the selectors rated wades keeping haddin more than likely would not have been recalled.good luck to Hughes,he certainly is in form.
Axle an the guru
Guest
Its time for him to go altogether, esspecially if Hughes dose happen to come good at test level.
blanco
Guest
Wade should give up keeping.Whiteman is the most talented keeper batsman in Australia.Nerville is also right up there.Both are better keepers than Wade.
Maggie
Guest
Problem is that Wade still thinks he is a wicket keeper. He has just signed on with the Melbourne Renegades for the BBL, saying that he wouldn't have done so if he hadn't been assured that he would be the first choice for keeping wicket. And yet Peter Nevill is the incumbent wicket keeper at the Renegades. Nevill would have every right to be extremely annoyed. So I don't think Wade will willingly give up keeping wicket for Victoria in the Sheffield Shield competition although I too agree that he would be well advised to do so.
Rellum
Roar Guru
My sarcasm detector is off today :). Tongue in cheek duly noted.
Shouts Chen
Guest
Shane Watson has struggled a lot last month. His running speed is not fast enough.
bearfax
Guest
So who's a clever boy then
bearfax
Guest
I was going to call you for the stir Ronan. I mean it is consistent with your style. Just enjoyed basking in Hughes glory for a bit there. By the way his first class average is now 46.59 after his 243 not out today. Seems he, Smith and Warner are each destined for 50+ first class averages in a few years unless they have truly awful turn-arounds. And some said we no longer had batting talent...yeh. Good to see Wade in the runs too. He's now averaging at first class batting, 39.1, which is better than Bailey, Shaun Marsh, Doolan etc and he's still a kid. Could be the next 40+ first class average batting star for Oz
Ronan O'Connell
Expert
I called it: http://www.theroar.com.au/2014/04/07/should-matthew-wade-quit-keeping/
Ronan O'Connell
Expert
Haha come on fellas, my tongue nearly burst through my cheek with that comment!!
Tom from Perth
Guest
Yeah, it's a positive sign for Wade, and a very sensible decision by the selectors. He could be a decent number 6 batsman and reserve wicket keeper. He's definitely young enough to focus on batting at put down the gloves.
Rellum
Roar Guru
I do notice that Wade is now considered a batsmen in the A team with Nevill keeping. I wonder if that will continue in the Shield. I think he should. He can bat and should focus on that.
Rellum
Roar Guru
Considering he just put a one day 200 on the board I don't think his strike rate should be a concern in a FC game. He certainly is in great form and pushing hard for selection.
bearfax
Guest
He's 202 now scoring at 51.9. Cowan's scoring rate used to be in the mid to high 30s. Thing is Ronan, this is a four day game not a one day game. He has outscored easily every other batsmen in the two sides in these games. His first class average is now boosted to over 46 no matter what happens. His average so far in these Aust A games if he retired now would be 102. Not bad for a batsman with flaws who cant handle test cricket..
Jeremy
Guest
But he is not playing a one day match at the moment, is he.
Tom from Perth
Guest
Handy 200+ he's posting in the Aus A match. He's in irresistible form, I'm stoked he gets a go in the ODIs. Ronan, the little fellah might speed up a bit now for his next hundred. He's on a SR of 52 at the moment. If he bats out the day he might make 300?? haha
Ronan O'Connell
Expert
But his 144no has come at a snail-like rate, off 318 balls. He is batting himself back out of the one-day side!
bearfax
Guest
Its lunch on Day 4 of the Aust A vs SA A. Hughes is not out 144. So far in the eight recent Australia A matches, both first class and List A, he is averaging 83.4. Well Marsh did say he should be scoring more runs
Terry
Guest
Hughes is to cricket what scotland is to basketball but against Zimbabwe they could probably play Eddie McGuire as opening bat and still win.
Trennt Cooper
Roar Rookie
The squeaky wheel gets the oil? Maybe, but I think he should have been there in the first place with Warner out.