Shane Watson's paternity duties might make him miss a Test in India tour

All-rounder Shane Watson could miss one Test match of Australia's tour of India in February-March this year due to the expected birth of his child during the period.



The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Watson is likely to fly back to Australia whenever wife Lee Furlong delivers the baby. This has put the Australian national selectors in a dilemma, what with the injury sustained to pace bowler Ben Hilfenhaus.

Watson and Furlong are expecting their first child in March. Australia play their first Test of the India tour on February 22 and the four-match series ends on March 26.

With Michael Hussey announcing his retirement for Test cricket, Australia would hope that Furlong delivers in the gap between the Tests so that the middle-order isn't affected.

In 2011, Ricky Ponting had also missed the second Test of a Sri Lanka tour for the birth of his second child.

Meanwhile, Hilfenhaus was withdrawn from the squad of Hobart Hurricanes as he continues to recover from a side strain.

The Australian pacer is almost certain to miss the Indian tour.