Cricket: Dazed Watson back to batting

Shane Watson cradles his head after being hit on the helmet while batting in the nets at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Photo / Getty Images

Australian all-rounder Shane Watson was back training on Wednesday, a day after he was hit in the head by a short-pitched delivery in training for the Boxing Day test against India.

Watson, who was dazed when struck on the helmet by the bouncer from James Pattinson, faced a bowling machine Wednesday while having a hit in the indoor nets to prepare for the start of Friday's test.

National selector Mark Waugh said Watson felt unwell after he returned to the team hotel Wednesday, and there were fears he has sustained a concussion. Pattinson looked upset after the incident and left training.

On November 25, Australia teammate Phillip Hughes was hit by a bouncer during a domestic match in Sydney, and died in hospital two days later.

Meanwhile, David Warner was another who returned to batting, declaring he's ready to go for the Boxing Day Test.

Warner received throwdowns from assistant coach Michael Di Venuto as he batted for the first time since hurting his thumb in the second Test win over India at the Gabba last week.

The aggressive opener was somewhat apprehensive early, immediately pulling his left hand off the bat after the first few strokes.

But Warner soon found his rhythm, driving and hooking with few signs of discomfort and then facing some net bowlers.

"It was okay. It was a bit sore when it hit the splice and toe of the bat, but that's to be expected," Warner said. "When it hits the splice it's going to be quite painful, but I can bear that pain and get out there on Boxing Day."

-AP/AAP