Double-century keeps Watson in Test frame

Shane Watson has pushed a strong case for an international return © Getty Images

Shane Watson did his chances of a late call-up into the Australia squad for next week's fifth Test no harm with a maiden double-century for Hampshire against Warwickshire in the County Championship at Southampton yesterday.

Watson, the Queensland allrounder who appeared during the one-day series before replacing Shane Warne at Hampshire, has been touted as a possible addition for a Test Australia must win if they are to retain the Ashes that have been their's since 1989. Having made his debut against Pakistan in January, Watson is being considered as a fifth-bowling option at The Oval.

Watson, who was 91 not out overnight, advanced to 203 and faced 286 balls with one six and 25 fours. Together with Dimitri Mascarenhas, who was unbeaten on 102, Watson shared an unbroken seventh-wicket stand of 234 against a modest attack.

Before stumps Andy Bichel took 1 for 25 after dismissing Jonathan Trott lbw for 1. Watson, 24, has been in fine one-day form for Hampshire, who face Warwickshire in Saturday's C&G Trophy final at Lord's.