I still want to bat in top order, says Shane Watson

Melbourne: Injured Australian all-rounder Shane Watson wants to continue batting in the top-order once he returns to the Test team even though his increased bowling workload has made it difficult to balance his role as an opening batsman.

Watson, who missed six home Tests this summer against New Zealand and India with hamstring and calf injuries, hopes to return to action in a few weeks time. "I would prefer to definitely continue to bat high in the order and keep an eye on my bowling workloads," Watson was quoted as saying. The 30-year-old Test vice-captain says a change of captaincy from Ricky Ponting to Michael Clarke last year has increased his bowling role within the side. "Physically up until just recently, I was able to open the batting and bowl. The difference between Ricky and Michael is the way they use me as a bowler. But there`s going to be times and situations in a game where that goes all out the window. It`s actually doing what you have to do to be able to win the game," he said. The good form of new opening pair Ed Cowan and David Warner has spelt trouble for Watson and the two-time Allan Border Medallist could be slot in as first-drop for the tour of the West Indies in April. But Watson says such a move would not require a major adjustment. "I just want to be able to play and fit in, wherever it is." PTI