Retired Test star Shane Watson knows he has to find some form quickly if he's to bring some colour to Australia's dead summer.
While West Indies continue to search for ways to stay competitive on tour, Watson is battling his own mini-slump, having averaged just 10 runs in the opening three games with the Sydney Thunder.
"The hitting at the moment is a little bit off but I've been working on a few things just to get my batting back to where I know it can get to," he said on Wednesday.
"I feel like the ball's coming out well in my bowling. I'm one innings away from being able to contribute really well with the bat as well."
But, three months after putting away his baggy green, the 34-year-old still harbours plenty of ambition to wear green and gold during next month's one-day series against India.
Should all things go to plan, he'll also land a ticket to the Twenty20 World Cup, where he hopes his numerous paychecks earned playing on the subcontinent will be of great value to selectors.
Watson also pointed to his tournament-high 249 runs in the last global meet, in Sri Lanka, in 2012.
"There's no doubt the Twenty20 World Cup I've had in the past, and during the (Indian Premier League), I've had quite a bit of success over there," he said.
"I know the conditions very well. I just need to get back to my best, and I know what I can bring to the team when I'm there."
Thunder captain and long-time teammate Mike Hussey, who has taken on a consultancy role with the national team for the Twenty20 World Cup, believes Watson still has plenty to offer in the short-form game.
"I know a lot of bowlers from around the world fear him from playing against him over there," he said.
"They have a lot of respect for Shane Watson. Particularly when he's going well, there's no ground big enough. He's got so much power so he's hard to stop."
Share
