Watson doubtful over Lee appearance by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Player:	SR Watson, B Lee
Event:	Australia in British Isles 2009

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DateLine: 5th August 2009

 

Aussie all-rounder Shane Watson believes Brett Lee is still another game away from being fully fit to play for Australia in the Ashes.

 

Lee has been doing tit-bits in the nets at Headingley ahead of the fourth Test which starts on Friday, but Watson said that the fst bowler is unlikely to figure even with the Ashes on the line in Leeds.

 

"He bowled at full pace which is not the nicest thing to face in the nets, but it's good for him," Watson said.

 

"He's probably a game away, he needs that under his belt to be under calculation for selection, but it's good to see him charging along and when he has that really good pace you know he's going to be at this best."

 

With England up 1-0 in the series and only two Tests remaining, Watson admitted that the pressure is now on Australia.

 

"As a group I think we're definitely a bit nervous," he said. "We know we had to bat really well to get out of trouble.

 

"It's definitely a big confidence boost to know that we're able to do that as a group moving into these next two Test matches because we need to win at least one of them to make sure we retain the Ashes."

 

With the final few days of the series closing in, the tension in the series is growing and sledging is also on an increase.

 

"It's getting closer to the end and we need to win," said Watson. "So the intensity is really starting to rise up. I really enjoyed it. It's great cricket.

 

"It's great to have some really competitive banter out there. Everyone's going hammer and tongs to give yourself the best chance of winning. I love it."