It can't get worse than India 2013: Watson

Shane Watson has backed the Australian squad to do better than the last touring party to India when the former Test opener and four other players were infamously suspended for homework-gate.

The Sydney Thunder star also reminded selectors not to forget that the blueprint of the most recent successful Australian team on the subcontinent played just one slow bowler.

But despite the likelihood of two spinners playing in next month's series against the world No.1 nation, Watson remains confident of an improved showing on their 4-0 whitewash in 2013.

That tour was best remembered for when Watson, James Pattinson, Mitchell Johnson and Usman Khawaja were handed a one-Test ban for disciplinary breaches.

"It really can't get any worse than what it was in 2013," Watson said.

"So that's a good starting point because that's as bad as it can get, players getting suspended from a Test match. I'm sure that won't happen this time."

Selectors on Sunday opted to take three tweakers to India, including uncapped leg-spinner Mitch Swepson, and all-rounders Ashton Agar and Glenn Maxwell in their 16-man squad.

But Watson recalled how the 2004-05 squad triumphed off the back of pace trio Glenn McGrath, Michael Kasprowicz and Jason Gillespie working with spin king Shane Warne.

"Obviously the way that you win over there is through spin bowling, but not necessarily just only spin bowling," Watson said.

"The time the Aussie team won in 2004, they only had Shane Warne and three quick bowlers.

“It's more so just playing to your absolute strengths, playing your best players, who've got the best chance of being able to play in those extreme conditions than what we're used to."

The 35-year-old also had some advice for young opener Matt Renshaw, who is in a battle to hold his spot from Shaun Marsh for the opening Test in Pune on February 23.

"He knows his game incredibly well and I'm sure he'll just stick to his game plan like he did in the Test matches he's played. I'm sure he'll have a lot of success," Watson said.

"For a young guy to be able to have so much control over what he's doing, shows he's got what it takes to be successful in any conditions."