Australia's Shane Watson ... injured again. - Reuters

ST. JOHN'S, Antigua (AP):

AUSTRALIA ARE hopeful all-rounder Shane Watson will recover from his calf strain and return to action near the end of the World Cup.

A scan on Watson's troublesome left calf showed no major damage and team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris is optimistic the pace-bowling all-rounder will play again in the tournament, even if it is just in the semi-final and final.

Kountouris said on Monday he would review Watson's recovery later in the week and then make an assessment on how quickly he may play again.

"It'll depend on how quickly he improves," Kountouris said. "If he is feeling great by the end of the week, theprognosis is very good."

Watson was running up to bowl the fourth ball of his second over in Saturday's rain-shortened Super Eights match against Bangladesh when he showed obvious discomfort and left the field.

Australia won the match by 10 wickets, but were worried about Watson's injury.

Long break

After two games in five days, Australia have a long break between Saturday's victory over Bangladesh and their upcoming game against England in Antigua next Sunday.

Watson, who doubled up as an opener until Matthew Hayden reclaimed his opening slot in the squad, has a history of injuries. He missed the 2003 World Cup after withdrawing from the Australian squad due to a back injury.