Australia v England: Shane Watson rested for three ODIs

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Shane WatsonImage source, Getty Images
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Shane Watson

Australia all-rounder Shane Watson will be rested for the next three one-day internationals against England.

It had already been announced that he would miss the second game of the five-match series, having played in every Ashes Test and the opening ODI win.

Coach Darren Lehmann said: "Given Shane's workload in the past 12 months, we consider it would be beneficial for him to have a longer break."

Fellow all-rounder Dan Christian has been added to the squad.

Watson made a two-ball duck and bowled five wicketless overs in Australia's six-wicket win in Melbourne on Sunday.

Lehmann said the 32-year-old would "continue his training programme at home in Sydney" and will be available for the series finale in Adelaide on 26 January.

Fast bowler Mitchell Johnson was rested for Sunday's game but returns for the second match in Brisbane on Friday.

Australia fly to South Africa in February for three Tests and three Twenty20s against the side currently top of the International Cricket Council Test rankings.

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