Coach Mickey Arthur is hopeful of Shane Watson returning to the Australian one-day fold in the latter part of the ongoing tri-series but refused to set a time frame for the all-rounder's comeback.
Plagued by calf and hamstring issues this summer, Watson will make his long-awaited return to the cricket when he lines up for Sutherland in a one-day clash with Easts at Waverley Oval on Saturday.
Arthur said the 30-year-old Watson remained one of his most important players.
"It's been frustrating for us and frustrating for Shane. Hopefully it goes well for him this weekend then we can re-asses where he is and hopefully get him back for the one-day comp.
"But I don't think we can put a time frame on that. We've got to be happy and he's got to be happy his body can sustain batting and bowling," Arthur was quoted as saying by The Age.
