Watson under pressure to return

Shane Watson has been given until tomorrow to prove his fitness and that he is over his calf injury otherwise his World Cup could be over.

It is understood that the Australian selectors want him to play against New Zealand in their final Super Eight match to ensure he has the stamina and fitness levels required to stand the test of a sudden death semi-final.

Watson has been having full batting practice but as yet has not bowled flat out in the nets so will be under pressure tomorrow to prove he has what it takes to perform with the ball in a match situation.

Australian team physio physiotherapist Alex Kountouris told The Australian that “he feels really good and he is extremely positive. The goal is to get him up for New Zealand, and he is on track.”

Kountouris went onto say “There is a certain risk with him coming back from a muscle injury. I think playing in a Super Eight game, rather than a semi-final, would represent a lower risk than obviously playing in a semi-final or final.”