Lillee summoned to save Oz pacer Watson's career

Sydney, Feb.15 (ANI): Former Australian fast bowler Dennis Lillee has been called in to help Shane Watson resurrect his injury-plagued career.

According to Fox Sports, Watson has battled 11 injuries in the past six years, the latest being stress fractures in his back that cruelled the Queenslander's hopes of winning selection for the upcoming South African tour.

Watson is charting a carefully constructed recovery plan in the hope of bowling by the end of April - and Australia pace great Lillee shapes as a key figure in returning the 27-year-old to the Test arena.

Lillee took 355 Test scalps but was crippled by stress fractures early in his career, forcing him to spend six weeks of the winter of 1973 with his back in a plaster cast.

Australia bowling coach Troy Cooley said Lillee would play a vital role in advising Watson.

"Dennis has been great with Shane; he did a little bit of work with Shane a long time ago with his first stress fracture. We're accumulating our knowledge and basically trying to get the best result for Shane Watson, who is a great talent," Cooley said.

"Basically we've had a good look at Shane, we got some 3D information on him. We're basically going to pull his action apart and see if there's anything we need to do in regards to that."

Leading Brisbane physiotherapist Victor Popov, who helped implement the core stability program that guided Watson through an injury-free tour of India last October, said Lillee had detected a rotational flaw.

"He needs to sort out a little issue with his technique so he'll be working with Dennis and Troy Cooley," Popov said.

"Dennis Lillee was the guy who identified a minor rotation that he thought could be part of the problem.

"Dennis and Troy will work on that, just in case it's part of the issue. We're dotting the Is and crossing the Ts with Shane.

"Troy will do most of the work but Dennis will be consulted and have his input. Someone with Dennis's history is very valuable for Shane."

Cooley said he couldn't guarantee Watson would not encounter further injuries but is adamant the all-rounder will not have to give up bowling. (ANI)