Watson unsure of return date to ODI side

Star allrounder Shane Watson is unsure if he’ll be ready in time for Australia’s tri-series final in Perth.

Watson sat out both last Friday’s one-day international against England and the washed-out Australia Day clash with India with a tight hamstring.

The ODI series wraps up at the WACA on Sunday, two weeks before the World Cup opener at the MCG.

Watson, who’s been replaced by Moises Henriques, said his hamstring was “travelling really well”, but hasn’t yet set a date for his return.

“(It’s) nothing too serious, but more so a precaution just to make sure it settles down over this week and be ready to go again by Sunday in Perth,” he said on Tuesday.

“If not then, the practice matches leading into the World Cup.”

Australia are scheduled to play two warm-up games, against India in Adelaide on February 8 and the UAE at the MCG three days later.

The 33-year-old has added motivation to be fit for the ODI showpiece, where he’ll be raising money for research into motor neurone disease (MND).

Watson has pledged to donate $200 for every boundary he hits, $300 for each six and the same amount per a wicket.

“No extra motivation is needed during a World Cup but this certainly provides it, to know that every time I find the middle of the bat and score runs … means I continue to raise money for such an important cause,” he said.

Watson said he was inspired by MND sufferer and founder of Cure 4 MND, Dr Ian Davis, whom he met a few months ago.

“From that day onwards, (I was) blown away by Ian’s courage and how tireless he’s working to try and make a difference,” he said.

“After talking to him I realised this was a way I could have some impact in a world-renowned tournament so hopefully we can continue to get (the message) out there.”

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