Shane Watson's brilliant performances in the IPL have earned him a recall to the Australia one-day squad.

Watson was on Wednesday morning named as Matthew Hayden's replacement in the 14-man squad for the five-game series in the Caribbean.

He will join the Australian team, along with other members of the one-day squad, in Barbados during the third Test.

The recall marks a return to favour for Watson, who has not played for Australia since breaking down in an ICC World Twenty20 match last September.

He was a major player in the Rajasthan Royals' IPL success and was named player of the tournament after stellar performances with the bat and ball.

He was fourth for both runs scored and wickets taken, hitting 472 runs at an average of 47.2 and taking 17 wickets at 22.5.

More importantly, he was not injured during the 45-day event in which he played 15 of a possible 16 matches.

The Twenty20 format is the shortest form of the game but is regarded by players as physically the most demanding given the hectic pace at which it is played.

National Selection Panel chairman Andrew Hilditch said the injury to Hayden, who has already flown back to Australia, was the perfect opportunity to recall Watson for the one-day side.

"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 in a statement.

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

"Shane has had a disappointing run with injuries but finished our interstate season well and has sustained his fitness levels throughout the IPL tournament."

Watson will vie with James Hopes, Michael Clarke, Brad Haddin and the uncapped Shaun Marsh, who was one of the finds of the IPL, for a berth at the top of the Australian order.

Hayden's injury and the retirement of Adam Gilchrist means Australia will take a new-look opening pairing into first match of the series on June 24.