Watson certain to miss first Ashes Test

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Melbourne, June 30 (ANI): Australia's injured all-rounder Shane Watson has been almost ruled out for the first Ashes Test after he did not train with the team in Worcester.

Watson, who has an injured thigh, was confined to walking laps with team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris in a crucial training session in the lead-up to Australia's tour match against the England Lions starting on Wednesday evening.

It will be a major blow for Watson who has a long history of injuries dating back to when he was a teenager.

Australia were keen to play the 27-year-old in the tour match, but he now has no chance of playing in the tour game and next week's first Test against England in Cardiff, The Herald Sun reported.

The team management may still send for a back-up player from Australia if Watson does not improve markedly in the next few days.

Watson's injury means Marcus North is a near-certainty to win Australia's No.6 spot for the Ashes. (ANI)