Australian coach Darren Lehmann said on Saturday he is confident Shane Watson will be fit to play in the Ashes series opener against England later this month.
The experienced all-rounder was cleared this week of a serious left hamstring injury he picked up during Australia’s recent tour of India, raising concerns that he could miss the Test opener at Brisbane starting on November 21.
But Lehmann said Watson was making good progress and was in line to play at the Gabba.
“The reports from our medical team on Shane’s recovery from injury are pleasing,” Lehmann said in a Cricket Australia statement.
“He is making good progress and responding well to treatment. If that continues, we have confidence that he will be fit for the first Test.”
Lehmann said Watson would miss New South Wales’ Sheffield Shield game with Queensland this week.
