Shane Watson transformed into Australia’s strike bowler for a fleeting moment on day three of the fourth Test.

Watson was on a hat-trick at the SCG when he dismissed Ajinkya Rahane and Suresh Raina, due reward for impressive work with the ball in the four-Test series.

Watson’s bowling loads have been up since Mitch Marsh’s hamstring injury, with the 33-year-old sending down 27.4 overs in Brisbane and 22 in Melbourne.

The allrounder has already bowled 15 overs in Sydney, finishing Thursday with figures of 2-42.

“Part of my role is bowling overs to keep the quicks as fresh as they possibly can. I love helping out the bowlers when I can,” Watson told the Nine Network.

“It was nice to get a couple of wickets.

“I had to try and create something … there’s not much life in the wicket.”

Watson has been a lightning rod for criticism throughout his career, struggling to shed the tag of unfulfilled potential.

Even after he busted the game open on Thursday, social media lit up with more harsh commentary on the divisive figure.

“Criticism is there for us if we play well or badly, individually and as a team,” Australia coach Darren Lehmann said.

“You cop criticism if you don’t perform at the level you’re expected to and this game he has performed well.”

Watson scored 81 in the first innings, throwing away a chance to score a century after a 196-run stand with Steve Smith.

“We’d love him to make a hundred but he certainly had a good partnership,” Lehmann said.

“And he got a couple of key wickets, so it’s a good game for him.

“We’re happy with what he’s done.”

Watson had mixed feelings about his innings.

“It would have been nice to get quite a few more … but it was nice to put on a bit of a partnership,” he said.