JAIPUR, Sept 25: Fit-again Australian Shane Watson said on Thursday he was determined to play a key role with both bat and ball in the upcoming Test series in India.

The all-rounder, 27, is set to figure in the opening Test of the four-match series starting in Bangalore on Oct 9 as a seamer and middle-order batsman.

Injuries have restricted Watson’s Test appearances to just three matches since his debut in January 2005, but the talented all-rounder said he was confident of serving his team well on the tough tour. “What my bowling does give is a bit of impact, especially more so on the fourth and fifth day of a Test when I know I can come in, give it all I have got and have a bit of a crack,” Watson told reporters here.

“Playing the Indians here it is a good way to challenge them, physically and mentally, not sledging, but having an aggressive persona about you. It will help the team if I do get an opportunity and complement the bowlers we have.”

Watson got the opportunity to resurrect his Test career when all-rounder Andrew Symonds was ignored for the tour on disciplinary grounds.

“I got injured before the 2006 Ashes and it gave Andrew an opportunity. It is amazing how things do change,” stated Watson, who played his last Test in November 2005 against the West Indies.

“I hope Andrew gets back because I love the way he plays and I know what he can give, but I have got to make the most of the opportunity.”

Australia captain Ricky Ponting recently said Watson deserved a place in the squad even if Symonds was available.

“He could get himself picked in the side as a batter alone, but what he can give us with the ball is a bonus. I would be surprised if he did not play in the opening game,” Ponting had said.

Watson also said that he had the batting technique to succeed on Indian pitches.

“I know I have got the technique to be able to bat in the top order. I have been doing it for Queensland ever since I started, so I know I have the technique to be able to bat anywhere,” he claimed.“If I do get an opportunity anywhere I know I can perform.”

Watson was a revelation in the Twenty20 Indian Premier League (IPL) earlier this year as he was named the player of the tournament for scoring 472 runs and taking 17 wickets for champions Rajasthan Royals.

“I have shown the Indian public because I have been able to play and perform, but I have not done that in Australia yet. It would be nice to turn that around,” added Watson.—AFP