SYDNEY, Nov 4: Australia all-rounder Shane Watson has backed himself to be fit for the first Ashes Test in two weeks and dismissed an untimely hamstring injury as a ‘niggle’.

Watson missed the 2006-07 Ashes series with one of string of hamstring injuries that have afflicted him over his career and sustained another in the series-deciding one-day loss to India in Bangalore on Saturday.

“It’s not too bad,” Watson told reporters on his arrival at Sydney, where he was due to have a scan.

“I’ve had a few niggles like this even over the last eight or nine months, so hopefully it won’t be too bad at all or put me out for too long.

“My body’s really adjusting to bowling, it’s just an unfortunate little hiccup in the last game. It would’ve been nice to get home without any niggles.

“Being here it’ll give me a week or two to be able to hopefully freshen up and ready to go for the first test.”

The loss of Watson would be a major blow for Australia’s preparations for the opening Test in Brisbane.

The hosts have already lost two frontline seamers Mitchell Starc and James Pattinson to back injuries for all or part of the series, while a third, Jackson Bird, is also battling to overcome a lower back stress fracture in time for Brisbane.

Watson, who has been plagued with soft tissue injuries throughout his 46-Test career, batted against India after receiving treatment from medical staff.

“The situation of the game meant I needed to come out and try and give us a chance to win,” the 32-year-old said.—Reuters

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...