Watson out of the Ashes

Shane Watson is out of the Ashes and could be in doubt for the World Cup in March, after sustaining a 5cm tear to his troublesome left hamstring, just three overs into his comeback match at Adelaide. Watson had managed only 18 balls for Queensland against South Australia yesterday when he pulled up sore after bowling a bouncer.

He left the field a short time later and did not bowl again during the innings. Watson originally hurt his left hamstring while bowling in a one-day game for Queensland in November. He had been named in the side for the first Test against England but the injury has kept him from being considered for any of the first three Ashes Tests.

Watson had hoped to be fully fit by Christmas but Andrew Symonds should now retain his place in the team for the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne. The latest blow was particularly cruel given that Watson had made a dream start to his return claiming 2 for 13 from three overs before leaving the field.