Melbourne: It was business as usual for Shane Watson at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) Wednesday, with the all-rounder showing no ill-effects from Tuesday's scare when he was struck on the helmet by a bouncer from fellow squad member James Pattinson.
Watson trained with the rest of the squad ahead of Friday's Boxing Day Test without incident, completing fielding, bowling and batting drills as he looks to build on his imposing record at the venue.
The New South Wales (NSW) representative has scored four half-centuries and one century in four Boxing Day Tests, averaging 89.60 with the bat, while coach Darren Lehmann was also vocal that he expected his all-rounder to maintain the heavy bowling workload he had in the second Test, particularly in the absence of injured all-rounder Mitch Marsh.
Watson was left shaken Tuesday when hit by the Pattinson bouncer, leaving the nets gingerly before being assessed by team doctor Peter Brukner.
National Selection Panel member Mark Waugh indicated last night that he would be monitored closely, however the fact that he trained uninhibited Wednesday will be a relief to Lehmann, who has been forced to contend with a growing injury list this summer.
Shaun Marsh almost added to those injury concerns Wednesday morning when he too was struck in the MCG nets, copping a blow to what appeared to be the index finger on his left hand.
The West Australian left the nets but returned a short while later and resumed batting.
Australia take a two-nil lead into Friday's third Test against India.
