Watson replaces Hayden in Australia one-day squad

Australian all-rounder Shane Watson will replace injured opening batsman Matthew Hayden in the upcoming one-day series in the West Indies, Cricket Australia said on Wednesday.

Chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said Watson was an exciting replacement for Hayden, who returned to Australia with an Achilles tendon injury after playing no part in the Test series in the Caribbean.

"Approximately 18 months ago we identified Shane as someone we thought could open the batting for Australia in one-day cricket and in the opportunities he has had since, he has played that role extremely well," Hilditch said.

"He also adds great flexibility to our bowling attack in this format of the game."

The 26-year-old Queenslander was once touted as a match-winning all-rounder for Australia but a horror run of injuries has restricted him to just three Tests and 65 one-day internationals.

Hilditch said Watson had worked hard to maintain his fitness levels and was ready for another chance with the national one-day side.

"Shane is an exciting young player and deserves his opportunity to return to the Australian side," he said.