Lillee to help Watson ready for IPL by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Player:

SR Watson

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DateLine: 16th February 2009

 

Injury-prone Australian all-rounder Shane Watson will train under fast bowling legend Dennis Lillee to revive his career with target to competitive cricket in the Indian Premier League starting in April. Watson is currently following a recovery plan for his stress fractures in his back and his physiotherapist Victor Popov said the all-rounder will start bowling during the IPL.

 

"Lillee has already started working on Watson's bowling action. He'll go to the IPL and play the first couple of games as a batsman. I think he will be ready to bowl competitively in the second week of the IPL," said Popov. "He needs to sort out a little issue with his technique so he'll be working with Dennis and (Australia bowling coach) Troy Cooley."

 

"Dennis identified a minor rotation that he thought could be part of the problem. They will work on that, just in case it's part of the issue. Troy will do most of the work, but Dennis will be consulted and have his input. Someone with Dennis' history is very valuable for Shane," he added.

 

According to Cooley, comeback for Watson, who plays for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, would depend a lot on Lillee.

 

"Dennis has been great with Shane, he did a little bit of work with Shane a long time ago with his first stress fracture," Cooley was quoted as saying