Former Hampshire all rounder Shane Watson insists he is not Australia's answer to Andrew Flintoff.

Watson, 25, has been included in Australia's squad for next week's first Ashes Test in Brisbane.

He played for Hampshire during the last Ashes series but does not believe he will repeat what Flintoff did for England in 2005.

Watson said: "The roles that me and him play are very different within our team. He is a superstar of their team whereas I'm there to contribute really well within the superstars around me.

"So in a way I've got a great luxury to be able to do that and it's a great way for me to learn and improve very quickly."

Watson could barely contain his excitement following his inclusion.

He has not played Test cricket for 12 months due to a shoulder injury, but is adamant he is now stronger mentally after his stint on the sidelines.

Watson suffered the injury when fielding during the first Test against West Indies last November but is now raring to go.

"You never wish to get injured but that's just part and parcel of being a professional athlete," Watson said.

"I wouldn't be the same player or the person I am now if I didn't have those setbacks.

"The best way to learn is from setbacks. I'm just so excited to be given the opportunity because I know all the hard work, all the sacrifice and all the pain you go through with injuries is all worth it when you get a day like today."

Watson is expecting to get the chance to shine with bat and ball against England, but is particularly keen to impress as a batsman.

"I'm really excited about the opportunity to be able to contribute, especially with the bat. That's what I'm really concentrating on especially. I'm really looking forward to the challenge.

"The great thing for me is I've got two chances to be able to contribute as well as I can. That for me is the lucky part - if I miss out with the bat I've got the chance to make it up with the ball."

With Watson almost certain to bat at number six to provide an extra seam-bowling option, Mitchell Johnson, Stuart Clark and Shaun Tait will be left to fight it out for the vacant bowling position.