Australia captain Ricky Ponting insists forgotten all-rounder Shane Watson is still a part of his side's World Cup plans.

That's despite injury ruling the one-time Hampshire favourite out of the bulk of the upcoming Commonwealth Bank one-day series that involves England and New Zealand.

Watson, who starred for Hampshire in two spells in 2004 and 2005, is still recovering from the hamstring strain which derailed his Ashes campaign.

He must get through two domestic four-day matches for Queensland later this month before he can be again considered for national honours.

While Ponting was confident Watson would be able to slot straight back into Australia's one-day side when fit, there are still doubts as to what role he will play.

If reinstated opener Matthew Hayden succeeds at the top of the order, as Ponting expects he will, and the hard-hitting Cameron White continues showing the form he displayed in Tuesday night's Twenty20 international against England, there may be no room for Watson in the Australian XI.

Despite those concerns, Ponting spoke with the utmost belief that Watson had a part to play in Australia's bid to win an unprecedented three straight World Cups.

''With Hayden coming back in that's an indication that the selectors think that he's the next best opener around Australia and I've got no doubt about that. Watson's one that we've got to get fit and back into our line-up again,'' Ponting said.

''Watson, being the sort of player that he is, will be able to fit into our line-up pretty much anywhere down the order. I see him as being a really crucial player for us".

''He's batted very well in Malaysia and the Champions Trophy as well. I just see that he gives us great talent and great flexibility in our line-up and I'm looking forward to him coming back in soon".

How soon that is will depend on how Watson's fragile body pulls through Queensland's next two four-day matches, the first of which starts on Friday week in Hobart.

The man who helped Hampshire win the C & G Trophy at Lord's in September 2005 will not bowl in that game but if all goes well will roll the arm over in the match after that against Western Australia at the Gabba, starting on January 28.

''I think it's a day-by-day assessment with him really just to see how he's going and how much bowling he can get done and we'll just keep our fingers crossed and hope it's sooner rather than later for him,'' Ponting said.