Watson turns to 'secret weapon' acupuncture to be fit in time for Ashes

Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has revealed his secret weapon to overcome a hamstring injury in order to get cleared to play in the winter Ashes- acupuncture.

A scan on a sore hamstring will determine if the all-rounder gets the all clear for the Ashes opener at the Gabba on November 21, and he is expected to resume working closely with Australian team doctor Peter Brukner.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Watson is optimistic about his chances of playing in the Ashes and has described his latest injury concern as 'not too bad', saying that Brukner's techniques, including acupuncture, have been key to allowing him to overcome similar fitness hiccups this year.

Watson further said that Brukner uses acupuncture and dry-needling techniques to release the tension in his muscles, adding that it is a part of his daily routine and has made a huge difference to his body.

Watson also said that had it not been for Brukner's techniques, he would not have been able to play the consistent cricket that he has been doing because the niggles that he has been having would have put him out for one or two weeks.

Watson's arrival on Monday was his first time back in Australia since he left for the Indian Premier League (IPL) in April, the report added.