Long break has done me a world of good, says Shane Watson
Australian all-rounder returns from injury and is back in squad to face Proteas in T20 matches
Never-ending injury concerns and a string of promising all-rounders in the wings have not dulled Shane Watson's optimism of playing a leading role for Australia across all formats of cricket.
As Michael Clarke's side have enjoyed success in the Middle East against Pakistan, Watson has spent time rehabilitating an unlucky ankle injury sustained after treading on a ball and then a calf strain.
For everything that I've been through and learnt in every aspect of my life - not just the cricket perspective - I feel like I've only got my best years in front of me, to be totally honest
The burly 33-year-old was named on Monday in Australia's 13-man squad for three T20 matches against South Africa next month but breaking back into the test side may prove a more complex undertaking.
Youngster Mitchell Marsh is all but certain to make his test debut against Pakistan in Dubai on Wednesday and the tall 23-year-old has a golden opportunity to make it hard for selectors to dislodge him.
Though Watson's body has failed him repeatedly and selectors are no longer willing to pick him on the strength of his batting or bowling alone, his self-belief remains as strong as ever.
