Shane Watson remains in the frame for Australian representation despite his omission from the squad for the one-day international series against India, according to selector Trevor Hohns.
Watson retired from Test cricket after Australia's disastrous tour of England last year, but the World Cup winner remains available for international selection in the shorter formats of the game.
However the 34-year-old has struggled at domestic level in both 50-over cricket and Twenty20 this summer.
Watson managed 132 runs at 33 in five innings in the one-day domestic tournament with a top score of 64 before he battled a recurrence of the calf injury he suffered in England last year.
The Sydney Thunder No.3 has struggled for runs in the Big Bash League too. He managed a season high of 46 in the loss to Brisbane Heat on Sunday but before then hit 0, 13, 1 and 16.
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Hohns said his form is of a concern, but given Watson's previous efforts at international level, a line hasn't been put through his name.
"Watto' by no means is out of the picture," Hohns said on Monday after the Australian team for the first three ODI clashes against India starting January 12 was named.
"It's a matter of him showing us what he can do. We know what we can do, but it's up to these other guys now to grab the opportunity."
"It (his form) was a bit of an issue, there's no doubt about that. We obviously would like to see him in better form."
The announced squad only covers the first part of the series, however it seems unlikely Watson would force himself into the side for the final two home matches of the international summer.
He has however performed well in the subcontinent, including in the Indian Premier League and he will remain in contention for selection for the T20 World Cup in India in March and April, Hohns said.
"He's very well-performed, so he'll certainly come into consideration for that."
Last week Watson maintained he still had designs on heading to India for the tournament.
"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."
