Watson knows he needs more runs

Shane Watson says he's paying zero attention to speculation he could be set for another move down the Australian batting order in South Africa next month.

The all-rounder admits he didn't "set the world alight" with the bat this Ashes series, but believes he did contribute to the team's record 5-0 whitewash.

Watson joined coach Darren Lehmann in observing Australia's batsmen must put an end to first-innings collapses if they're to challenge the world No.1 Proteas in the three-Test series.

George Bailey is the man under pressure to hold his spot, and if the Tasmanian were to be dropped, Australia may look to tweak the batting order.

Watson scored a century in Perth and 83 not out in Melbourne, but in his first innings he remained inconsistent.

"In regards to that (batting position) I really don't care at this point in time," said Watson, preferring to focus on night two of Ashes celebrations.

"I was able to contribute at times, but not as much as I would have liked – particularly not in the first couple of Test matches.

"I didn't set the world alight at all but there were times when hopefully I did contribute enough to us being involved in winning a Test match."

Lehmann said in a radio interview that Australia will probably take a 15-man squad to South Africa.

Alex Doolan appears in the frame for a call-up after being part of the squad for Sydney, and it's unlikely a second batsman like Phil Hughes would be included unless Bailey was dropped altogether.

Australia will be hesitant to change a winning team, while conscious of their need to improve against the likes of Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel and Vernon Philander.

There were 10 hundreds scored by Australian batsmen this series – equal to the most of all time in an Ashes campaign – and Watson believes the team's weakness is improving.

"We scored a lot of runs at times when we needed to," he said. "But there's certainly room for improvement as a top order.

"We know that's where you can really drive the game if you're able to set things up and not (rely on) Brad Haddin to come in and dominate."