Shane Watson has exceeded expectations filling in as Australia’s one-day captain for Michael Clarke, according to coach Mickey Arthur.

Watson has led the team three times in one-day internationals since making his return from hamstring and calf injuries last month, including last week’s one-day tri-series third final win over Sri Lanka in Adelaide.

Now the allrounder faces probably the biggest challenge of his fledgling leadership credentials, captaining his country in the five-match one-day series against the West Indies starting in St Vincent on Friday (Sat AM AEDT).

Not that Arthur has any concerns about how Watson will handle the responsibility.

“Shane’s been really good. He has been outstanding,” Arthur told AAP on Sunday.

“I think he’s led very well, he’s led with authority which has been really good.

“I think he’s almost performed above expectation in that area which is great.”

Arthur says the hamstring injury which ruled Clarke out of the one-day series in the Caribbean could have a silver lining, ensuring Watson is a ready-made captain in future scenarios.

“If things happen to Clarkey we want to have a really good and able vice-captain who can take over,” Arthur said.

“He’s also a vice-captain playing all forms of the game. Shane’s doing that and can give a huge amount of support to Michael through the Tests and ODIs and to George Bailey through the Twenty20s.”