Shane Watson and wife Lee Furlong announce birth of son Will

Had Shane Watson not been suspended from the third Test underway now in India he would have missed the early birth of his son, Will, who his wife Lee brought into the world on Thursday.

His sports news presenter wife gave birth to the little fella in St George hospital on the same day his teammates – minus the four suspended for not doing the homework set them by coach Mickey Arthur – watched rain wash out the first day of the Test Australia must win to stay in the series.

“Shane and lee are naturally delighted,” Watson’s manager Tony Connolly told The Daily Telegraph.

Watson had planned to miss the fourth Test to coincide with Lee’s due date, but left the tour early when he was suspended.

Despite reports that Watson, Australia’s vice-captain, was considering quitting Test cricket, captain Michael Clarke is hoping he’ll be available for the fourth Test.

Before the baby was born, Clarke said: "From my point of view he's vice-captain of this team and he's a big part of this team, there's no doubt about that.

"From the conversation Watto and I have had, 100% he has gone home for the birth of his first child, which is very exciting for him. I know he's really excited about that.

"Hopefully all goes to plan there, Lee has the baby in the next few days and Watto is back here playing the fourth Test as our vice-captain. That's the best-case scenario from my point of view and from the team's point of view. The rest is really up to Shane.”

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