 | « Back to article | Print this article |
Australia have drafted Shane Watson into their squad for the one-day series against West Indies in place of the injured Matthew Hayden.
Hayden's Achilles tendon injury ruled him out of the current Test series in the Caribbean.
Watson, who has struggled with injury himself, has not played for Australia since the World Cup final win over Sri Lanka in Barbados in April 2007.
"Approximately 18 months ago we identified Shane as someone we thought could open the batting for Australia in one-day cricket and in the opportunities he has had since he has played that role extremely well. He also adds great flexibility to our bowling attack in this format of the game," Australia's chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said in a statement.
"Shane has had a disappointing run with injuries but finished our interstate season well and has sustained his fitness levels throughout the Indian Premier League tournament," he added.
Watson was rewarded for his brilliant all-round showing in India as he scored 472 runs and took 17 wickets to help Rajasthan Royals win the inaugural IPL tournament. He was also adjudged the player of the tournament.
Watson will fly out to join the squad during the third Test against West Indies in Barbados which starts on June 12.
Australia lead the three-Test series 1-0 after drawing the second match in Antigua on Tuesday.
