Shane Watson has been ruled out of Australia’s One Day International fixture against England on Friday after pulling up from Thursday’s training session with a minor hamstring injury.
The Australian selection panel is taking no risks with Watson with just three weeks remaining until the Green and Gold kick off their ICC Cricket World Cup campaign on home soil.
“The selectors have got to come down and weigh up our options with Watto going to be ruled out tomorrow,” captain Steve Smith said.
“I think he’s just a little bit tight, so I don’t think it’s anything too major.
“I think it’s more of a precautionary measure to make sure he’s right for the World Cup.”
Watson has produced scores of 16 and 41 in current Tri-Series wins over England and India respectively and it remains unclear whether Watson will make a return for the second clash against India on Australia Day or the series final at the WACA on February 1.
George Bailey’s suspension and an injury to David Warner will open up an opportunity for Shaun Marsh at the top of the batting order after 31-year-old smashed 79 from 51 deliveries for the Perth Scorchers in recent Big Bash League action.
“We’re not 100 per cent sure of the 11 yet but Shaun’s going to bat up the top with Finchy (Aaron Finch),” Smith added.
Also in the mix for call ups are Mitch Marsh and Xavier Doherty, hoping for a Friday return at his home venue in Hobart after missing Australia’s four-wicket victory over India on Sunday.
Photo: Saeed Khan/Getty Images.
