Shane Watson appears likely to join the Australian XI to take on South Africa in the third Test kicking off in Cape Town on Saturday.
Watson’s dodgy calf kept him out of the Test matches in Centurion and Port Elizabeth, the latter a demolition courtesy of a shocking batting collapse.
With the third Test a series decider, the significance of a Shane Watson return is not lost on captain Michael Clarke.
“He has the potential to be the best all-rounder in the world,” Clarke said.
“Watto can open the bowling. Watto can bowl reverse-swing. He bowls somewhere between 130 and 140kph.
“To be able to be a top-order batter and do that … it just makes a huge difference.”
The 32-year-old completed five overs in the nets on Monday and allegedly got through a more intense session on Thursday.
Darren Lehmann Talks Port Elizabeth Collapse, Shane Watson Return
Australia took just three seamers to Port Elizabeth and saw the trio of Mitchell Johnson, Ryan Harris and Peter Siddle bowl a combined 133 overs in the 231-run loss.
Watson claimed an impressive 5-17 with the ball in his last outing at Cape Town’s Newlands Cricket Ground in 2011, but it came during an embarrassing loss for the Aussies after being dismissed for an abysmal 47.
Traditionally a number three, Watson could end up batting further down the order to allow Clarke and Steve Smith to move up and will likely join the side at the expense of either Alex Doolan or Shaun Marsh.
When asked about Watson’s up and down Test career, Australian assistant coach Shane Warne provided a little insight into the mercurial cricketer.
“The one thing I’ve found with Watto is just to back him,” Warne told reporters ahead of the third Test.
“Put some responsibility on his shoulders. I found that really worked for him.
“Watto has really turned the corner … you’re going to see him be an exceptional Test player.”
Keep up with Australia’s tour of South Africa and get amongst CraveOnlineAU on Twitter and Facebook for daily sport, music, entertainment and gaming news.
Photo: Getty Images
