Australia has named Shane Watson in a 13-man squad for the second Test against South Africa in Adelaide next week, but said it was too early to guarantee the player's selection as he recovers from a calf strain.
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Vice captain Watson was ruled out of the drawn first Test in Brisbane and replaced by Rob Quiney who slotted in at number three and scored nine in his test debut.
Quiney has been retained in the team named on Friday but selector John Inverarity said another opportunity might be offered to a developing player if Watson was not passed fit.
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The Michael Clarke-captained side also retained spinner Nathan Lyon, but also added paceman Mitchell Starc in what appears to be an each-way bet for Adelaide Oval's traditionally batsman-friendly wicket.
Australia's selection panel, which includes Clarke, raised eyebrows earlier this week by suggesting Watson would only be picked if he were fit enough to bowl, effectively saying his batting did not rank in Australia's top six.
Team:
Michael Clarke (captain), Shane Watson, David Warner, Ed Cowan, Rob Quiney, Ricky Ponting, Mike Hussey, Matthew Wade, Peter Siddle, Ben Hilfenhaus, James Pattinson, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc
Photograph: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
