Shane Watson ruled out due to calf injury, Hilfenhaus named as replacement for Pakistan series in UAE
Australia’s premier all-rounder Shane Watson is set to miss the entire tour of UAE with a calf injury, reports Cricket Australia. The 33-year-old is the fourth major injury worry for the team after captain Michael Clarke – ruled out of ODI series with hamstring injury, Mitchell Johnson – doubtful due to rib injury and Ryan Harris – knee injury.
The team’s hopes of regaining their World No.1 ranking in Tests suffered a heavy blow with Watson’s absence. Notably, the right-hander suffered a sprained ankle ahead of the triangular ODI tournament in Zimbabwe.
“Whilst Shane has made steady progress with his rehabilitation after he stepped on a ball and sprained his ankle, he has suffered a setback, experiencing some right calf soreness,” Cricket Australia Physiotherapist, Alex Kountouris, said.
The all-rounder also missed the first two Tests against South Africa in February this year, owing to problems pertaining to the now troublesome calf muscle.
“As Shane has previously had similar calf injuries, we plan to hold back his return to running and bowling for approximately 7-10 days. The unfortunate timing of this calf injury will mean that his preparation for the UAE Tour will be considerably affected and he would have been unavailable for the T20 and ODI part of the tour and significantly limit his bowling preparation for the Test matches,” he added.
Disappointed to miss out – Watson
Speaking after Cricket Australia’s official announcement, Watson said he wanted to be part of the tour but was advised rest by the authorities.
“I’m naturally disappointed because I was desperate to play against Pakistan which is our opportunity to get back to number one in Test and one-day international cricket. Despite my strong desire to be on the tour, I understand why the selectors have made this decision.
“Given I can’t be with the boys, my goal now is to work as hard as I can to get back to 100 per cent fitness so that I can make myself available for selection ahead of our series against South Africa in November,” Watson said on the unfortunate situation to be sidelined.
The cricketer vowed to be positive and hoped to be back in action for the Australian summer with an eye on World Cup 2015.
“I’ve been here before and know what I need to do to get back to full fitness. That means remaining positive and working hard. We have a huge summer of cricket at home and my priority now is to play a big part in that,” he mentioned.
Ben Hilfenhaus named replacement
With James Pattinson too unavailable with back problems, Australian selectors have decided to include Ben Hilfenhaus as Watson’s replacement. The 31-year-old last played for Australia in December 2012, against Sri Lanka in Hobart. The right-arm swing bowler has 99 Test wickets to his name from 27 matches at an average of 28.50. He also has 25 ODI and 7 T20I caps to his name with 29 and 9 wickets respectively.
“The selectors have opted for another pace option in Ben as we feel we have enough cover in the allrounder position,” National Selector Rod Marsh said on naming a specialst pacemen to replace Watson.
“He is an experienced bowler who has worked very hard to get himself back to peak fitness and we know how well he can bowl in tough conditions,” he added on Hilfenhaus.
The upcoming young sensation Mitchell Marsh is expected to make his Test debut in Watson’s place with his fast rising reputation. Mitchell, the younger brother of Shaun was recently in the news for blasting the required 12 runs off the last 2 balls in the Champions League T20 match against Dolphins.