Watson unlikely to play in second Test

Australian allrounder Shane Watson is unlikely to play the second Test against India next week as he returned home to continue rehab on his hamstring injury.

Watson, who missed the two-Test series against New Zealand early this month due to hamstring and calf injuries, has been in camp with the Australian side during the first Test in Melbourne this week.

"Shane Watson has been released home this morning to continue his rehabilitation program," a Cricket Australia spokesman was quoted as saying by Australian Associated Press.

"Australia team physio Alex Kountouris will catch up with him in Sydney on January 1 to further assess his progress.

"The squad for the second Test match against India will be announced after this Test match finishes," he added.

The second Test of the four-match series starts on January 3 at the SCG.