Watson to captain Oz in two-day tour match against England Lions

Australian all-rounder Shane Watson will reportedly lead his side in the two day tour match against England Lions starting on Friday, which is the first time he has taken a leadership position since returning from his Homeworkgate suspension in India.

According to News.com.au, Watson stood down from the vice-captaincy after the India tour, a move interpreted as a symptom of his then tense relationship with captain Michael Clarke, although his elevation might be considered something of a return to the fold.

However, the report said that Watson's groin injury, which forced him out of the field during the fourth Ashes Test, means that he will not be bowling in the tour match.

Australian coach Darren Lehmann said that Watson's return to a leadership role was simply a matter of giving another experienced player a turn with Clarke and vice-captain Brad Haddin both sitting out the non-first class fixture, adding that Watson would most likely be fit to bowl in next week's fifth Test as the injury is not very serious.

Revealing his team's plans, Lehmann also said that Australia will bat for a day and then bowl for a day, adding that the two-day game at Northampton is like a longer training session and a chance to impress selectors by performing well.

The report further said that Watson was dropped from his favoured opener's spot for the fourth Test and played as an all-rounder.

Team for the two-day match: Watson (captain), Usman Khawaja, Mitchell Starc, James Faulkner, David Warner, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith, Ashton Agar, Ed Cowan, Phillip Hughes, Matthew Wade.