Australia skipper Michael Clarke says he has no clue how to help his vice-captain Shane Watson realise his dream of being a consistent Test contributor with the bat.

Star allrounder Watson is playing in the Test series against India as a batsman only following injury problems and has hardly set the world on fire at No.4 with 77 runs at 19.25.

The 40-Test veteran’s career average is only 36.02, although the former opener’s new role at No.4 may be reassessed after only four matches at second-drop.

No.5 batsman Clarke said on Tuesday he felt compelled to promote himself into the top four for the third Test in Mohali on March 14, which could mean the skipper goes to No.4 and Watson also jumps one spot to No.3.

“I don’t know the answer to that,” Clarke said when asked the secret of how to boost Watson’s output.

“You probably have to ask Watto that question. I’m there to help him like every single batter.

“If there’s areas he wants help, I’m there to support him.

“He’s a very good player. He’s a senior player in our team and like all of us we need to be scoring more runs.

“I certainly don’t want to single Watto out and be having a shot at him. Our top six batters have not performed anywhere near as good as we need to.

“It’s not about one player.”

The poor return of No.3 Phil Hughes (25 runs at 6.25) could mean Hughes is dropped down the order to No.5, or left out of the side.

Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith are the reserve batsmen in the squad, with Khawaja appearing to have stronger claims on a promotion ahead of his younger rival Smith.