Ashes 2013: Brad Haddin confident that Shane Watson will be fit for final Test

Australia wicketkeeper Brad Haddin is confident all-rounder Shane Watson will be fit for this week's fifth and final Ashes Test against England at The Oval, he said on Monday.

Shane Watson was forced off the field midway through an over by groin injury on the third day of the fourth Test at the Chester-le-Street © Getty Images

London: Aug 20, 2013
 
Australia wicketkeeper Brad Haddin is confident all-rounder Shane Watson will be fit for this week’s fifth and final Ashes Test against England at The Oval, he said on Monday.

Medium-pacer Watson was forced off the field midway through an over by a groin injury on the third day of the fourth Test at Chester-le-Street.

But he did return on the fourth and, as it turned out, final day, only to be dismissed in familiar fashion when he was lbw as Australia collapsed from 147 for one to 224 all out and a 74-run defeat as England took an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series.

However, Watson has since trained well and Haddin told a news conference at The Oval, south London, on Monday: “He’s been bowling today and came through that all right, and he did all the running unassisted which is a good sign.

“We’ll see how he pulls up tomorrow (Tuesday) but he’s looking 100 percent to go,” Australia’s vice-captain added.

Watson has struggled with the bat this series, scoring just one 50 while averaging 27, although his tight bowling has seen him become a handy back-up to fast bowlers Ryan Harris and Peter Siddle.