Shane Watson declares himself fit for Australia and World Cup

Australia all-rounder Shane Watson said he has recovered from his latest injury and is ready for the Cricket World Cup.

Watson missed Australia’s tri-series final win over England last week with a hamstring injury but will play in a warm-up match against India in Adelaide on Sunday.

“I’ll be ready to bowl a few overs. It won’t be bowling 10 overs, but a few overs and getting back into it,” he said.

Australia open their World Cup campaign against England in Melbourne on Saturday.

Watson said there was added intensity as tournament hosts.

“There’s definitely more pressure on us playing at home but it’s also a big advantage as well with home support and home conditions,” he said. “It’s certainly a big advantage for us knowing these conditions inside out.”

Meanwhile, England captain Eoin Morgan has slammed as “ridiculous” plans to restrict the size of cricket bats to try to stem the flow of runs in the one-day game.

David Richardson, the International Cricket Council chief, said last week the global governing body would consider restricting the depth of bats, saying a larger “sweet spot” was making run-scoring easier.

England batsman Morgan felt the rules already favoured bowlers enough.

“I think it’s ridiculous, absolutely ridiculous,” he said. “The fact you can concentrate on the bat size, where the rule changes have been made so that you bowl with two new balls. The ball is never any older than 25 overs and you have an extra man in the circle.”

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