Australia give Watson more time to prove fitness

SYDNEY, Nov 20 (Reuters) Australia all-rounder Shane Watson will be given more time to prove his fitness to play in the first test against England starting in Brisbane on Thursday.

Watson, who damaged his hamstring playing for Queensland last week, ran laps of the Gabba ground and bowled a few deliveries in the nets off a short run-up before undergoing further scans on Monday.

Watson will be replaced by batsman Michael Clarke if he fails to prove his fitness, with Stuart Clark likely to win the third seam bowler's spot alongside Brett Lee and Glenn McGrath.

REUTERS DKS PM0803