Watson in fitness race for first Test

Australia all-rounder Shane Watson faces a battle to be fit for the first Ashes Test in Brisbane on 21 November.

The 32-year-old sustained a hamstring injury while bowling in Australia's final one-day international against India last Saturday.

The problem has been diagnosed as a "low-grade muscle strain".

"He will have intense treatment and rehabilitation in Sydney over the coming days," said Australia physiotherapist Alex Kountouris.

46 Tests: 2,998 runs (average 36.12), 64 wickets (av 31.92) 171 one-day internationals: 5,256 runs (av 41.71), 162 wickets (av 30.01) 39 T20 internationals: 1,030 runs (av 29.42), 36 wickets (av 22.50) "How well he responds to this will determine how quickly he can resume full training and match preparation.

"It goes without saying that Shane and the medical team will be doing everything possible to get him fit and available for selection ahead of the first Test.

"We'll be assessing him on a daily basis and expect to have a clearer picture of his progress later in the week."

Watson has suffered with injuries for much of his career, but has played 46 Tests, 171 one-day internationals and 39 Twenty20 internationals since making his Australia debut in 2002.

Although he was moved up and down the batting order during the previous Ashes series earlier this year, he remains a key player - and his potential absence could complicate Australia's selection issues because of his all-round value to the side.

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