Watson declares himself fit

Shane Watson has declared himself fit and ready to go. He has also made himself available for the Commonwealth Bank tri-series finals.

The Queenslander became an integral member of the Australian side that won the 2006 Champions Trophy and was widely seen as a starter for the 2006/07 Ashes series.]

However in cruel circumstances, just a week before the first Test in Brisbane, Watson went down to a hamstring injury and missed the entire series.

“I haven’t been given any defined guidelines for a comeback, and obviously I will go along with whatever the selectors say, but I feel I could play any kind of game right now,” he said.

“I have been very nervous and hoping that everything would be right for the World Cup,” Watson said.

However his Queensland captain, Jimmy Maher, has warned against rushing the all-rounder back to the national side, saying he should extend his stint on the domestic circuit before attempting a return to international cricket.

“He’ll need to have a proper hit-out where he’s bowling 18 or 19 in a day and then backs up and does it again, for his own peace of mind,” he said.

“I think he’ll want to do that, obviously he will want to play for Australia, but his next target would have to be the World Cup.

“I think last time he was bitten a bit and so was Australia in that he rushed back too quickly.”

Former Australian cricketer and coach Bob Simpson has also expressed his concerns at including Watson in the World Cup squad, saying he would have to prove himself or face becoming a liability in the Caribbean.

“I’d only take Watson if he performs between now and when the team is nominated,” he said.

“He’s got to prove himself because he virtually hasn’t played this year and it’s a huge gamble if he hasn’t proved his fitness.

“Obviously the selectors have made him their favourite and they are trying to push him through. But no-one should go unless they are performing and totally fit.”