MELBOURNE: Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has been ruled out of the second Ashes Test against England starting in Adelaide on Friday because of injury, Cricket Australia said.
The 25-year-old, who damaged his hamstring playing for Queensland earlier this month, had a fitness session with team physio Alex Kountouris on Monday and it was decided he would not be ready in time.
“Shane Watson continued his rehabilitation this afternoon,” Kountouris said.
“The outcome was that his hamstring injury is still not fully recovered and it was decided that the second Test would be too early a return in the circumstances.
“His rehabilitation will continue with a view to him being available for selection for the third Test in Perth.”
Watson was replaced by batsman Michael Clarke after failing to prove his fitness for the first Test, which finished on Monday with a 277-run victory for Australia in Brisbane.
Australia's selectors will meet on Tuesday before revealing the squad for the Adelaide Oval, with leg-spinner Stuart MacGill likely to be added for a pitch that favours turn.
