Watson looks forward to India series

Sydney, Sep 9 (UNI) Desperate to make a comeback to the Test squad, Australian all-rounder Shane Watson is all fired up for the tour to India next month.

Watson regained his place in the Australian one-day side during the visit to the West Indies earlier this year. He is now eyeing a spot in the Test line-up with Andrew Symonds looking doubtful for the Border-Gavaskar trophy which gets underway with the first Test in Bangalore from October 9-13.

But the 27-year-old Queenslander is well aware of the difficulties that lie ahead.

''There is absolutely no doubt that, if I get the call-up, this would be the biggest challenge I could face as a cricketer,'' Watson said. ''We've only won once there in 30-odd years as it is, and there are obviously other considerations as well this time around. I would love to go, but I am not going to spend too much time worrying about selection, like I used to. If it happens, it happens.'' Watson admitted that the Australian team will suffer a huge blow if Symonds decides to opt out, but was determined to make full use of the opportunity.

''Everyone is obviously wishing the best for Roy, but if there is an opportunity there, hopefully I can take it with both hands,'' he affirmed.

''The leadership group have made a difficult decision (to send Symonds home from Darwin), but the message they were trying to convey was that they needed everyone at 100 per cent to set a good example to the young guys.'' Watson's all-round ability would appear to give him the edge over Simon Katich since his inclusion will allow Australia to play an extra bowler. However, Katich might yet be required at the top of the batting order should opener Matthew Hayden's achilles injury continues to bother him.

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