Watson in blazing form ahead of Big Bash

Shane Watson has exploded into form ahead of next week's Big Bash League after blazing 114 not out off just 53 balls in club cricket over the weekend.

The Sydney Thunder skipper blasted 16 sixes and one four for Sutherland in their Sydney Premier Cricket clash against Mosman on Sunday.

Opening the batting, Watson scored 96 of his total off maximums, clearing the fence at an average of once every three balls.

The 36-year-old's innings came to an end when Sutherland reached their target of 151 in the 16th over.

The knock hoses down concerns about Watson's fitness heading into next Tuesday's BBL season opener against the Sydney Sixers at Spotless Stadium.

The former Australia allrounder was last month forced to pull out of the Bangladesh Premier League because of a hamstring injury.