Australian captain Michael Clarke says Shane Watson isn't done as a Test cricketer, but admits the allrounder's challenge to regain his spot is only getting tougher.
Watson has been ruled out of the upcoming tour against Pakistan in the UAE with an ongoing ankle injury, opening the door for exciting West Australian Mitch Marsh to show what he can do with bat and ball at Test level.
Clarke says Watson can expect more injuries and increased competition for his spot between now and when he retires, and has thrown his support behind Marsh to make an immediate impact.
However, Clarke says 33-year-old Watson has plenty to offer Australian cricket in all forms if he stays fit, especially looking ahead to next year's World Cup and Ashes.
"I think if Watto is batting and bowling, he's a huge part of our team, but he's obviously got some stiff competition now as well," said Clarke on Wednesday at the launch of NSW's domestic season.
"Watto's greatest challenge has been trying to stay fit and healthy and I think we also need to understand and respect that he's pushed his body to the max being a batsman and bowler.
"He bowls at a good pace and is a destructive batter so there's still going to be injuries for the rest of his career, as there is for Mitchell Marsh, James Faulkner and all the allrounders.
"If Watto can get himself fit and healthy he'll certainly play a lot more Tests, one-day and Twenty20 cricket for Australia."
Clarke himself is battling a hamstring injury which threatens his involvement in the two Tests against Pakistan starting late next month, however the skipper is confident he's tracking well.
The 33-year-old will fly to the UAE on Tuesday, six days ahead of the rest of the Test squad, to ensure his body is acclimatised before he begins to stretch himself on the training paddock and in the nets.
Clarke, who says he's improving with his recovery from tendon damage every day, is adamant he won't play unless he's 100 per cent ready to perform.
"Alex (Kountouris, Australian physio) knows my body very well," said Clarke.
"He'll be the one that gives me the all clear to play the Test matches if he thinks I'm fully fit. If I pass what Alex needs me to pass that will give me a lot of confidence as well."
Clarke says NSW spinner Steve O'Keefe will come into the selection frame if the wicket looks like it will turn considerably.
He believes two hundreds for Australia A in the winter proved shorter-form star Marsh is ready for Test cricket.
"I guess that's a big part of why I gave him an opportunity to bat at No.3 in (the one-dayers) in Zimbabwe," said Clarke.
"He's ready ... it's about getting an opportunity. The selectors will make that decision and I'm sure he'll grab it with both hands."
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