Watson announces availability as extra seam option for Oz in Ashes opener

Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has announced that he will be available as an extra seaming option for Australia from the first Ashes Test at the Gabba on November 21, although it will be in a limited capacity.

Watson continued his recovery from a minor hamstring strain suffered on the one-day tour of India by rolling the arm over for two overs in Australia's training session in the Gabba nets and feels confident enough to resume bowling duties in the first Test.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Watson expressed confidence that he would be able to bowl a few overs at the Gabba, saying that things are progressing well for him, adding that he is keeping his fingers crossed that his hamstring injury recovery continues to progress well.

Watson further said that at this point of time, he is confident that he will be able to provide a role like he did at certain times during the summer Ashes series, even though it would not be at a full capacity at the ball, although he hoped that if things progress well by the Adelaide Test, he will be able to go a bit harder in the second Test.

Watson also said that the good thing is he would not have to bowl flat out given that the Gabba pitch has got a bit of bounce and pace in it all the time.