Shane Watson given three-match break, Dan Christian returns

Shane Watson has been given a three-match break to get over his injury troubles

Australian all-rounder Shane Watson will be allowed to rest for the second, third and fourth One-Day Internationals against England, with Daniel Christian filling in his place.

Watson played the first ODI against England on Sunday in Melbourne, where he was out for a duck, after having bowled five overs for 36 runs, failing to pick up any wickets. Watson had suffered a groin strain during the Boxing Day Ashes Test.

“Given Shane’s workload in the past 12 months, we consider it would be beneficial for him to have a longer break and continue his training programme at home in Sydney ahead of the final ODI and the tour of South Africa,” Australia’s coach Darren Lehmann said on Thursday.

Victoria all-rounder Daniel Christian has been recalled to the ODI team as his replacement, following his good form for the Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League.

Lehmann added: “Dan Christian, who has been in excellent form in recent weeks, has been added to the ODI squad to provide an all-round option in Shane’s absence.”

The second ODI will be played on Friday in Brisbane, the third in Sydney on January 19, and the fourth in Perth on January 24.