Shane Watson is continuing on the road to returning as an international all-rounder during Australia's one-day international series against Pakistan. Watson, who was originally billed as a bowling all-rounder, is hoping to have put a history of hamstring and back injuries, among others, behind him. With strapping around his chest and legs the Queenslander has been continuing to be put through his paces in the nets at Dubai Sports City and was able to generate decent speed with the ball during training. With 2009 an Ashes year the 27-year-old is keen not to risk too much too soon, particularly after a hamstring injury destroyed his dream of taking on the old enemy in the 2006-07 series. Playing as a batsman in the Australian side yesterday, Watson hit a clean 40 from 47 balls in the four-wicket defeat. The match, his 73rd ODI appearance, was just the fifth time he has not been thrown the ball at any stage, but it is believed he could return to Australia's bowling attack in the early weeks of May. However, Watson's fast-medium deliveries would not necessarily be what the Australians require to get themselves back on track in this series. Having been spun out by Shahid Afridi and Saeed Ajmal yesterday, Australia's seam attack of Nathan Bracken, Ben Hilfenhaus, James Hopes and Stuart Clark all performed admirably in their failed defence of just 168. As the Australian captain Michael Clarke admitted afterwards it is the slow bowling department, currently led by Nathan Hauritz, that is likely to provide the key on the wickets prepared by the Pakistanis in the UAE. Meanwhile, Marcus North will replace his fellow West Australian Shaun Marsh who limped out of last night's match against Pakistan. The injury to Marsh's left hamstring is a recurrence of an injury suffered during the Australian summer and he will now return to Australia for his rehabilitation. North was playing county cricket in England for Hampshire.
pchayney@thenational.ae