RESILIENT Shane Watson is back in the Australian Test cricket team.
The 33-year-old from Caringbah, along with his Sutherland teammate Steve Smith, will take their place in the series opener against India next Thursday in Brisbane.
Watson and Smith and St George Cricket Club fast bowler Josh Hazlewood are in the 12-man squad.
After overcoming calf and ankle injuries, Watson has been in good form for NSW in one-day domestic games and Australia in the recent 4-1, limited overs series win against South Africa.
The powerful right-hander made 82 in Sunday's fifth international game win over the Proteas.
Watson said making the Test team was one of his goals.
"I was hoping to get back into the Test team this summer after missing the tour of the United Arab Emirates," Watson said. "The other goal is to make the World Cup squad."
The World Cup starts on February 14, with Australia and New Zealand hosting the limited overs event.
Watson's role, where he bats and how much be bowls hasn't been finalised by the selectors at this stage.
He could be batting at No.3 or No.4 or maybe at No.6, depending on the selectors' thinking.
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