Watson out of Pakistan Test series due to Calf injury

Sports Desk:-

SYDNEY: Australia all-rounder Shane Watson will not participate in Test Series against Pakistan next month due to Calf injury.

While Shane has made steady progress with his rehabilitation he has suffered a setback, experiencing some right calf pain,” national team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said. “As Shane has previously had similar calf injuries, we plan to hold back his return to running and bowling for approximately 7-10 days.   “The injury will mean that his preparation for the UAE tour will be considerably affected Watson's injury gives Mitchell Marsh a chance to make his Test debut against Pakistan on October 22.   Kane Richardson has taken Watson's place in Australia's Twenty20 and one-day squads. “The selectors have chosen for another step option in Ben as we feel we have enough cover in the all-rounder position,” chief selector Rod Marsh said in a statement. “Shane has done everything he can to get up for this tour and left no doubt in our minds that he wanted to push through,” Marsh said. “Had the decision been left to Shane, he would be on the plane to Dubai. However as selectors we have taken a conservative approach to ensure he has the best chance of being fit for the big [domestic] summer ahead. “ “I've been here before and know what I need to do to get back to full fitness. That means remaining positive and working hard,” Watson said. Watson has overcome a series of injuries in his career, but played all 10 matches in last year's back-to-back Ashes series against England. It was a calf issue in South Africa that stopped that run, forcing him to miss the first two Tests against the Protease in February. Pakistan has been forced to play their home series at neutral venues, such as the UAE, since militants attacked the Sri Lankan team in Lahore in 2009.