Australian Test captain Michael Clarke has said that it is up to Shane Watson as to how hard he pushes himself in his attempt to return to bowling during the Ashes but he could be a very valuable batsman.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the all-rounder emerged through training in Brisbane unscathed on Friday, completing jogging drills and batting practice against Test quicks Ryan Harris, Mitchell Johnson and Peter Siddle, and recovering fast bowler Jackson Bird, as he continued to try to see off a minor hamstring strain.
Australia remains hopeful Watson will be able to not only bat but also bowl against England in the first Test starting on Thursday, the report said.
Clarke said that he was confident Watson will be fit for the first Test and there was no doubt that they needed him to bat at No.3.
He added that the all-rounder was now confident in facing the England attack and the hundred he scored in England will just be the start of his career, adding that he could become one of the best batsmen in the world.
