Watson hopes to be fit by next home game

Australia all-rounder Shane Watson has not been able to play in the Indian Premier League for the Rajasthan Royals yet, and they've been doing just fine without him, and he's happy about that.
Watson, officially the Royals' captain, has missed all three of their wins due to injury, and Steve Smith has led the side with aplomb, the latest a seven-wicket drubbing of Mumbai on Tuesday.
Watson told the IPL website that he was happy to watch the victories from the sidelines, but was eager to get back on the field and hoped to do so by the next home game.
He said: "It has been a great start to the tournament for us. I have been very excited about this year because we have a very strong squad. It’s great that we have been able to put it together so far.
"We got out of jail against Delhi Daredevils and to finish the game today like that was wonderful. Steve Smith batted beautifully today, as he continues to do."
He said of hs chances of playing soon: "I got hit around the hip during the first training session of the tournament and it has taken a bit of time to recover.
"We are going to travel to Vizag overnight, so it’s going to be touch and go for the next game. I will surely be back in the team for our game here against the Chennai Super Kings."
Of Smith, who made 79 not out against Mumbai, Watson compared him to South Africa star batsman AB de Villiers, given his incredible ru of form, stretching back to late 2014.
Watson said: "I think he is on par with AB de Villiers at the moment and Virat Kohli when he is at his best. It is incredible to see him just continue to pile on the runs in every format. It looks like it’s not going to end and let’s hope it doesn’t for quite a while."
Latest
-
News
Tom Harrison stepping down as chief executive of the ECB
Managing director of women’s cricket Clare Connor will take over on an interim basis in June.
-
News
Tom Harrison steps down as ECB chief executive
Harrison has been in the post for the last seven years.
-
News
On this day in 2013 – James Anderson claims 300th Test wicket
Anderson dismissed New Zealand’s Peter Fulton to reach the landmark.
-
News
England quick Saqib Mahmood to miss rest of season with stress fracture of back
The Lancashire fast bowler would have been a certain inclusion in the squad to face New Zealand at Lord’s on June 2.
-
News
England change to continue with new limited-overs coach and revamped Test squad
Things have been moving quickly at the England and Wales Cricket Board with Rob Key.
-
News
On this day in 2010: England beat Australia for Twenty20 World Cup final glory
The Australians had been restricted to just 147 for six from their 20 overs.
-
News
James Anderson removes Joe Root for just four but Yorkshire thwart Lancashire
Harry Brook came to Yorkshire’s rescue to secure a Roses draw.
-
News
Andrew Symonds – the Queensland larrikin known as Roy with explosive batting
The former Australia all-rounder was killed in a car crash at the age of 46.
-
News
Tributes to an ‘extraordinary player and even better human being’ Andrew Symonds
Symonds died aged 46
-
News
Former Australia all-rounder Andrew Symonds dies in Queensland car crash
The 46-year-old played over 200 times for Australia across all formats.