Watson form interests Aussies

Shane Watson is hoping for a call-up to the Australian Test squad © Getty Images

Shane Watson played an integral role in Hampshire's C&G Trophy final success over Warwickshire at Lord's - then immediately cast his mind to a bigger stage.

All-rounder Watson, 24, has been mentioned as a contender for the final Test of the summer - with Australia needing to win at the Oval to retain the Ashes - despite not being in the touring party.

His inclusion would give the Australians a genuine fifth bowling option, increasing the chances of them taking a risk with Glenn McGrath's fitness, and would hardly lessen the productivity of the batting.

Although he chipped in with a quick 25, coming in at the business end of Hampshire's innings of 290, it was with the ball that Watson excelled on Saturday, taking 3-34 in eight overs as the midlands county succumbed in the chase.

All-rounder Watson has played well for Hampshire recently © Getty Images

"I would love to be able to play in the fifth Test, it is a massive Test, the biggest in Australian cricket for a long time," Watson admitted.

"But all I can do is play my best for Hampshire and put my name up there as often as I can.

"There have been times when I have thought I could have done a job, especially how Andrew Flintoff has played.

"Obviously I am not up to his calibre at the moment - he is an amazing player - but just seeing what a genuine all-rounder does in Test match cricket gives me hope there will be an opportunity there."

Australia's success over the past decade has been founded on operating a four-man attack, including all-time greats McGrath and Shane Warne.

However, England's resurgence has put that policy into question and strengthened the case for an all-rounder, although Watson - who made his Test debut in January this year - admits Australian victory outweighs his personal ambition.

Watson sees England's Andrew Flintoff as an inspiration © Getty Images

"The most important thing is Australian cricket doing well and winning the Ashes," he said.

"I need to keep improving my game and if a place does come up through either injury or form, hopefully I will be right to perform well."

Watson's Hawks team-mate Sean Ervine, whose hundred set up the 18-run victory and earnt a man-of-the-match award for the second time in a fortnight, is also planning his future international career but is unsure yet which path to take.

The 22-year-old turned his back on Zimbabwe in acrimonious circumstances 15 months ago after playing five Tests in addition to 42 one-day internationals, and now splits his time between the Rose Bowl and Western Australia.

He could qualify for England or Australia through residency - a four-year process - but has yet to commit to either.

Sean Ervine is hoping one day to possibly play for England © Getty Images

"My aspirations are to play international cricket again whether it be for England or Australia," Ervine said.

"There will have to be a decision made soon but at the moment I am just enjoying playing cricket and want to take every opportunity I can."

Warwickshire were well placed at 166 for one in the 31st over when Test batsman Ian Bell perished to Watson shortly after a severe bout of cramp.

It was an opportunity Hampshire's league of nations seized upon as Watson and fellow Queenslander Andy Bichel cranked up the pressure towards the death to claim regular wickets.

"No doubt that incident helped us," said Hampshire captain Shaun Udal, deputising for the unavailable Warne.

"His mobility was affected after that and it is very difficult for new batters to score at seven, eight, nine an over."

Opposite number Nick Knight, who struck 118 in vain, claimed it was the turning point in the contest.

Ian Bell's hamstring injury was a big blow to Warwickshire © Getty Images

"Their score was about par, we would have had to play well to chase it down but we were in a good position when Belly's cramp hit him and it didn't help our cause," Knight said.

"In that situation you are never quite sure whether to send the guy off and let him recover or let him carry on.

"He seemed to think it was okay to play but he couldn't run, so maybe in hindsight we should have got someone else in.

"At the time we thought once he went off he wasn't going to come back, so weighing it up we thought if he could hit a couple out of the park and put on another 50 runs it would be game over."