Watson eyes Boxing Day

Shane Watson has now set himself a target of being fit for the Boxing Day Test.

Watson, who was ruled out with a hamstring tear picked up while playing for Queensland just days before the First Test, is now definitely out of the third Test in Perth. However, he should have no trouble slotting back into the first team in Melbourne, following the retirement of Damien Martyn. However, there is still doubt as to who will replace Martyn in the third test, with likely candidate Brad Hodge ruled out through injury. Opener Phil Jacques could be asked to bat lower down, while Mark Cosgrove is also an option.