A helter-skelter schedule won’t stop Shane Watson sneaking in a Sheffield Shield hit before Australia’s four-Test series against India starts in Brisbane.

Watson will be among the stars returning to red-ball cricket next week, despite featuring prominently in the one-day international (ODI) series against South Africa.

The 33-year-old confirmed on Tuesday the plan was for him to tackle the Proteas on Sunday at the SCG, then return to the venue two days later for NSW’s first-class clash with South Australia.

“There’s a few games back-to-back. Three (ODI) games to go – the series finishes very quickly,” Watson said in Canberra.

“I’ll definitely be playing in that (Shield match).”

Watson sent down a total of seven overs in the five limited-overs games he has played for Australia since returning from calf and ankle injuries.

The allrounder suggested that wasn’t due to workload issues, and that he would “absolutely” be bowling for NSW next week.

“I’ve been talking to (stand-in Australia skipper) George (Bailey) to try and get a few more overs, but it didn’t work out,” Watson said.

“Especially the last game, unfortunately we didn’t get a few more overs.

“I’m very keen to be able to bowl.”

Australia will assemble in Brisbane following the upcoming round of Shield games on November 25-28.

Queensland host Tasmania at Allan Border Field on those days, while Western Australia face Victoria at the MCG.

Australia coach Darren Lehmann made it clear on Tuesday he expects the majority of the Test squad to be playing those four-day games, despite many being part of a busy limited-overs stretch.

“They should be playing for their states,” Lehmann said.

“Obviously it’s the only red-ball game they can get as well (before the first Test starts on December 4), so that’s important.”

Lehmann noted he was unaware of reports that selectors will name a squad for the first two Tests.

“We’ll sit down at the end of the week and pick that first Test squad, and at the moment it’ll be the first Test squad,” he said.

“But it could be (a squad for) two Test matches, three Test matches or four Test matches.”