I’ll bat anywhere, anytime: Shane Watson

A rejuvenated Shane Watson says he’ll bat anywhere, anytime to help Australia cope with the “really big reality check” dished out by Pakistan.

Watson is willing to return to the troublesome Test number three batting slot, saying his latest injury enforced lay-off has given him a new perspective on cricket.

“I just want an opportunity to be able to play again and wherever they want me in the batting order, I’m happy to be a part of the team,” Watson told reporters in Adelaide on Monday.

Watson will play his first game for Australia since April when making a comeback from ankle and calf ailments in Wednesday’s Twenty20 series opener against Australia.

“I am as fresh as I have been for a long, long time. I’m ready to play anything,” said Watson after his longest break from the game since after the 2007 World Cup.

“I love playing the game of cricket. And this break has really continued to make me realise how much I love the game and how much I love playing.

“So any game that is available, I want to be able to play.”

Watson said he had closely watched Australia’s woeful performances in the Test series against Pakistan.

“After everything that we have done over the last 18 months to build it up, things are never meant to go perfectly well,” he said.

“We have had an incredible run in the Ashes last summer and in South Africa as well.

“Things always pop up at times to give you a reality check when you need it.

“This, certainly from afar, it looks like it has been a really big reality check for everyone.

“We have always grown out of situations that haven’t been ideal for us and we’ll certainly do that again.”

The 33-year-old refined his batting technique and physical training regimes during his latest stint on the sidelines.

“I didn’t want it (the break) because I just want to play as much as I possibly can for my country,” he said.

“But out of any negative situation I have always tried to find the positives and there has certainly been some positives out of it.

“To be able to just continue to be able to refine my batting, but also continue to look at where my physical preparation is as well … that is also the most important thing to me, to be able to stay fit.”

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