Shane Watson’s forgettable Ashes series has taken another blow, with a fresh injury drama threatening his contribution to Australia’s desperate bid to win the fourth Test at Chester-le-Street.
Watson was forced from the field with a right hip and groin strain he suffered midway through bowling his seventh over of the day and didn’t return.
Australia are hopeful the injury isn’t as bad as first thought and that the allrounder will be able to bat in what shapes as an arduous fourth innings run chase.
England were headed towards a series win at stumps on day three with five wickets down and a 202-run lead already on the board.
Watson limped immediately to the dressing room, and given his poor medical history, it suggests he’ll be in doubt for the fifth Test at The Oval, even if he does manage to bat here.
“I don’t know if it’s as bad as first thought,” said Australia’s best bowler, Ryan Harris.
“When I left the rooms they were talking about (Watson) batting but they’ll assess it tonight and see how he pulls up in the morning.
“You never want anyone limping off, especially someone like Shane Watson who’s a pretty big player in your team.”
It’s a bitter blow for Watson who has an extensive injury record, but hasn’t had any major groin or hip problems in the past.
Watson suffered a spate of calf issues last summer, most notably in the Test after he bowled a career-high 47.4 overs in a match against Sri Lanka at Hobart.
But after being rested from bowling during the Test tour of India, Watson made a successful return as an allrounder in the IPL and then for the Ashes campaign where he’s been the most economical bowler from either team.
His 80.3 overs this Ashes is the most he’s bowled in a series since 2008 and just last week the 32-year-old said he was feeling as strong and free in his action as he has done in a long time.
Watson took a wicket and scored a brilliant 68 in the first innings, the highlights in an otherwise frustrating tour where he was demoted from opening the batting after a run of lbw dismissals and sub-par scores.
Australia’s only chance of winning the fourth Test and keeping alive hope they can draw the Ashes, is if their bowlers can do what England did to them on day three.
The tourists missed an opportunity to post a big first innings lead when they lost their last five wickets for 48 runs to only take a slender 32-run advantage.
Australia must knock over England’s final five wickets in similar time, because chasing anything over upwards of 250 could prove too much for an inconsistent batting side on an unpredictable pitch.
Harris (3-74) showed the way for Australia on day three, rocketing through Joe Root, Alastair Cook and Jonathan Trott to leave England reeling at three down and only 17 in front.
But then Ian Bell (105 not out) combined with Kevin Pietersen (44) for a 106-run partnership that turned the match.
Nathan Lyon (2-46) nabbed Pietersen yet again and also removed Jonny Bairstow (28).
Harris said the pitch isn’t deteriorating as much as predicted and was optimistic about Australia’s hopes.
“The wicket’s holding together pretty well. It might spin a little bit but the ball’s going through nicely,” he said.
“Getting through the new ball is the key.
“I think it’s pretty evenly poised to be honest.”
Giving Australia hope is that Yorkshire chased down 336 to beat Durham at Chester-le-Street in the county championship this year.