Lehmann confident Watson will be fit for first Ashes Test in Brisbane

Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has been ruled out of next week's Sheffield Shield match but Cricket Australia and coach Darren Lehmann are pleased with his progress ahead of the Ashes, where he could be involved right from the first Test.

According to The Age, the 32-year-old all-rounder, who suffered a hamstring injury while bowling in the seventh one-dayer on the recent tour of India, will be kept in cotton wool prior to the national team assembling in Brisbane before the first Test on November 21.

Australian coach Darren Lehmann was cautiously optimistic about Watson's chances of facing the English at the Gabba, the report said.

He said that the reports from their medical team on Shane's recovery from injury were pleasing, adding that he was making good progress and responding well to treatment.

Lehmann added that if continues, they had confidence that he will be fit for the first Test but they would not be taking any chances with his preparation, and he will miss next week's Shield match between New South Wales and Queensland.

Watson went on to bat in the match against India after suffering the injury, scoring 49 runs from 22 deliveries, the report added.