MELBOURNE, Nov 16: 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 all-rounder’s selection as he recovers from a calf strain.

Vice-captain Watson was ruled out of the drawn first Test in Brisbane and replaced by Rob Quiney who slotted in at No 3 and scored nine in his Test debut.

“Shane Watson is making steady progress from his calf injury, but it is too early to determine if he will be fit to come under consideration for selection,” selectors chairman John Inverarity said in a statement on Friday.

Quiney has been retained in the Michael Clarke-captained team along with off-spinner Nathan Lyon, whose selection in Brisbane shut out paceman Mitchell Starc, who was named 12th man.

The four-Test Starc has been named again for the second Test, however, allowing selectors to opt for an all-out pace attack on 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.

Former Australia captain Ian Chappell labelled the notion ‘ridiculous’.

“If I’m a selector picking the Australia XI and Shane Watson is not in the best six batsmen, I’ve been watching a different game,” he said.

Inverarity reiterated the selectors’ position on Friday, however, saying if Watson was not fit enough to bowl, he would not be fit enough to bat either.—Reuters