Watson, Starc take blows in Melbourne nets

ShaneWatson

Just days after India complained about the safety of the Gabba's practice wickets during the second Test - which Australia won to take a 2-0 lead in the four-match series - the hosts were on the end of their own blows in the nets in Melbourne.

Shikhar Dhawan was forced to retire hurt prior to the first session on day four in Brisbane, while Virat Kohli also copped a knock in the nets before India crumbled to lose by four wickets and wave goodbye to any chance of winning the series.

Ahead of the Boxing Day Test, out-of-form Watson took a blow to the head from a James Pattinson delivery on Tuesday - and was visibly shaken and forced to undergo an assessment from team doctor Peter Brukner.

In light of Phillip Hughes' untimely death last month, Watson's knock underlined the heightened emotional reactions to batsmen being hit in the head or helmet at this time.

The pressure is mounting on Watson to make runs this series - he has made 72 runs at an average of 18 in two Tests - and there will be more expectations on his broad shoulders given his fellow all-rounder Mitch Marsh has been ruled out of the third Test due to injury.

Left-arm quick Starc took a ball to his left leg while batting but both players are expected to overcome their knocks ahead of the Boxing Day Test.

Author(s)