Watson confirms availability as a bowler

All-rounder Shane Watson is becoming increasingly confident of being able to bowl during the first Ashes Test, which will get underway in Brisbane on Thursday.
All-rounder Shane Watson is becoming increasingly confident of being able to bowl during the first Ashes Test, which will get underway in Brisbane on Thursday.
Watson sustained a hamstring injury during the seventh and final ODI against India recently, and was unlikely to avail himself as a right-arm seamer at the Gabba.
A testing rehabilitation programme alongside team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris, however, has hastened a return to adequate fitness.
"I'm quite sure I can provide a role. I probably won't be at full capacity with the ball. I won't be going flat out in this Test. Like the first Test of the last series, I had a niggle there and did a job and bowled pretty tight and gave the other bowlers a rest," said Watson.
"I will be able to do a good enough job. By Adelaide I hope my body will be more hardened to go harder in the second Test.
"It will just depend on how I continue to go over the next few days and get a gauge on what capacity I'll be able to play. Everything's progressing really well at the moment."
Fast bowler Mitchell Johnson has reiterated the hosts' intent to target England batsman Jonathan Trott.
Johnson, earlier this month, suggested Trott and team-mate Alastair Cook – in particular – will face a barrage of short deliveries at the Gabba.
"There's a lot of talk about it, within the group and outside, so I'm definitely looking forward to it," added Johnson.
"During the ODI series in England we saw that Trott didn't like it, and during that Test series as soon as Ryan Harris got up them a bit, he didn't handle it too well.
"We all know he's been practising it. They've flown over two left-armers to bowl at him in the nets."
Latest
-
News
In-form Jonny Bairstow leads England charge against India in Edgbaston decider
The Yorkshireman raced to 91 not out as England progressed to 200 for six.
-
News
James Anderson expects England to maintain their aggressive approach
India are in control of Ben Stokes’ team at Edgbaston.
-
News
Stuart Broad delivers costliest Test innings as India take control at Edgbaston
Broad gave up a record 35 runs in the penultimate over of India’s first innings.
-
News
Stuart Broad over costs a Test record 35 runs as India take charge at Edgbaston
The tourists reduced England to 60 for three having made 416 in their first innings.
-
News
Stuart Broad makes history twice on wild morning at Edgbaston
Bowler reached two milestones, one definitely unwanted.
-
News
Test cricket’s most expensive over – a ball-by-ball account
Stuart Broad’s over to Jasprit Bumrah went for 35 – seven more than the previous record.
-
News
New England captain Jos Buttler unable to prevent Lancashire defeat in Blast
The Lightning were defeated by Worcestershire Rapids.
-
News
You’ve got to applaud – Paul Collingwood hails ‘world-class’ Rishabh Pant knock
Pant blazed 146 off just 111 balls on an entertaining first day between England and India at Edgbaston.
-
India
Superb Rishabh Pant century turns Indian fortunes around against England
Pant smashed a brillaint 146 off just 111 balls.
-
News
Jos Buttler admits becoming England white-ball captain could end Test chances
The wicketkeeper-batter has replaced Eoin Morgan in charge of England’s white-ball teams.