February 19, 2008	Tuesday	Safar 11, 1429

BRISBANE, Feb 18: Injury-plagued Australian all-rounder Shane Watson says he is looking for more cricket and sees playing for an English county as his chance to return to the international arena.

At least two English counties are understood to be interested in contracting Watson, who wants a lengthy stint to put his fitness problems behind him.

The 26-year-old Queenslander has endured another injury-interrupted Australian summer where he has been sidelined three times with hamstring problems.

Watson played two short spells with Hampshire in 2004 and 2005 and is keen to return to the Shane Warne-captained side for a longer-term deal if he fits into their plans.

He has received encouragement from Cricket Australia officials so long as he keeps to a rehabilitation programme.

“I’d like a longer stint, but not a full season,” Watson said on Monday. “I still want to make sure I’m not playing excessive amounts and burn myself out. That would be pretty crazy.

“But my goal is to play as much cricket as I can.”—AFP