Shane Watson must be picked for the ICC World Twenty20 tournament after making a century against India on the weekend, says Kim Hughes.
The 34-year-old blasted his way to 124 not out at the SCG and bowled very economically for most of the series.
He will be bitterly unlucky to now miss out on a place in the squad that will travel to India despite his international career appearing over not long ago.
“Well it’s a bit hard to leave him out,” said Hughes on SEN radio.
“I mean you’ve got to pick on performances and I know he’s been very disappointing but he’s just got 124 and smashed them.
“He has played well in the IPL and can bat and bowl.
“One of the interesting things is he’s just decided to enjoy his cricket and there’s no doubt in my mind how but better you play with the attitude you had as a teenager.”
One player who is now in serious doubt to miss the tournament last this year is Aaron Finch who has lost his spot as the highest ranked batsman in T20 cricket.
“You’ve got to play Warner and I would like to see a left and a right-hander open the batting because it makes it a bit awkward for the bowlers,” said Hughes.
“I’m not too sure Finch is going to get a game and that’s pretty harsh when he’s been captain but I wouldn’t be surprise if they went Warner and Watson with Khawaja at three then Smith at four.”
Michael Clarke will definitely not be in the squad for India but he has decided to make a comeback to cricket and has not ruled out testing himself in the shorter form of the game at a high level.
“I must admit I nearly fell over,” said Hughes of the former Test captain’s announcement.
“You know his wife’s just delivered a baby and his last year or two he didn’t enjoy his cricket – he had shit on his liver with the selectors.
“I think there was only a couple of times Clarke didn’t get the team he wanted but it was grating on him.
“He might be into the IPL but I wouldn’t have thought Michael would need any money.”