Australian captain Michael Clarke has warned returning allrounder Shane Watson won’t be an instant remedy to the side’s bowling problems.

Australia’s death bowling came under scrutiny again on Friday night when Sri Lanka chased down a record 280 at Bellerive to notch a three-wicket win and go top of the tri-series table.

The tourists had looked to be imploding at 7-267 before tailender Thisara Perera hit a four and six off consecutive balls from Dan Christian and then Nuwan Kulasekara hit a first-ball boundary to win the match.

Vice captain Watson was named 12th man after his latest return to the squad from injury but will put pressure on Christian and opener Dave Warner, who is yet to pass 50 in the series, in Sunday’s crucial clash with India at the SCG.

“It’s going to be hard for Watto to improve the death bowling, he hasn’t played much of late,” Clarke said.

“It’s a big call on him to bring him straight in and expect him to hit his yorkers straight away.”

Clarke said the solution was there in the current squad, despite only Tasmanian spinner Xavier Doherty (1-35 from 10 overs) being able to stem the tide on his home patch.

Ryan Harris went for more than seven an over in his return from an enforced rest and spearhead Brett Lee conceded the winning boundary while bowling the last over of the match.

“I think the guys (currently) in the team have to be able to do it,” Clarke said.

“We all need to get better at it.

“You’ve got to try and give the guys out there confidence as well and back them.”

Watson was seen bowling in the nets at Bellerive and Clarke said he was keen to get him back into the side.

“Hopefully Watto does play (in Sydney),” Clarke said.

“He’s a big player for us and I’m really looking forward to having him back in the 11.”