Mickey Arthur says injury-prone all-rounder Shane Watson could return to the Australian side during the Commonwealth Bank Series if his comeback in Sydney club cricket this weekend goes as planned.
Watson has not played for Australia this summer due to hamstring and calf problems but will finally return to competitive cricket when he lines up for Sydney grade side Sutherland on Saturday.
Although Australia's results this summer have been strong despite the absence of the dual Allan Border Medallist, Arthur said he remained an important part of Australia's plans.
"He's built his body up to where it needs to be and hopefully we can get sustainable performances out of Shane once he gets back in," the Australian coach said.
"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."
"He's got to be happy his body can sustain batting and bowling. But as long as we are all happy and he fits the bill, I'm sure we'll consider bringing him back in."
Watson will face increasing competition for a spot in Australia's Test top-order, with David Warner and Ed Cowan establishing themselves as the opening pair and Shaun Marsh, Phillip Hughes and Usman Khawaja also in contention.
"I think ultimately he [Watson] will bat down the order and bowl at some stage. We need to have that discussion. We've broached it once or twice before but nothing definite," he said.
"He is going to be doing some bowling and it's how he can sustain that bowling and open the batting, that's going to be the question."
Marsh faces an uphill battle to hold onto his Test spot for the West Indies tour, after scoring just 17 runs in the Test series against India, but Arthur said he was delighted to see the Western Australian return to form with his 79 against Queensland in the Bupa Sheffield Shield on Tuesday.
"I spoke to him last night, and really good to hear him a lot more chirpy and a lot more upbeat. It's amazing what a couple of runs do for you," he said.
"It needs to be sustainable, it is a great start for him and Shaun is a player that when he scores well, he sort of kicks on."
"I am hoping he keeps kicking on and gets all his confidence back, gets back into the international arena at some stage and is able to sustain a good career here because he has certainly got the talent."
Arthur said paceman James Pattinson was a chance to return from injury in time for the end of the one-day tri-series, while 18-year-old speedster Pat Cummins was on track to return for the Caribbean tour.