Shane Watson expects fiery test from Pakistan at Cricket World Cup

Australia all-rounder Shane Watson expects a tough test from Pakistan in Friday’s World Cup quarter-final in Adelaide.

Pakistan bounced back from defeats to India and the West Indies in their opening two group matches to reach the last eight with four successive victories.

Watson said: "They can play some incredible cricket, as they have in times I've played against them, but they also can self-destruct quite quickly as well.

"That's the reason why Pakistan are so dangerous especially in a knock-out game like this quarter-final.

"They have certainly got some match-winners. Once this Pakistan team gets on a roll, they are able to use that momentum to be able to shut down teams very quickly.

"We know this is a danger game for us because they can come on and just turn it on like they have throughout the times I've played them in the past.

"We know we have to be at our absolute best and not give them a chance to be able to get that momentum. We know if they're able to get that they can run away with it very quickly."

Watson, who made 0 and 23 in the first two games for Australia, hit back with 67 on his return against Sri Lanka in Sydney and is now resigned to batting at five or six instead of his normal No 3 spot.

"If I am playing, it will be in the middle-order I think," he said. "It seems my role has changed the last couple of games which is absolutely fine. I totally understand where I sit within the team."