Paceman Mitchell Johnson has been dropped from Australia’s side for the second cricket Test against England.
Australian captain Ricky Ponting said Johnson’s poor form in his wicketless Ashes opener cost him a place for the Adelaide Test starting Friday.
Fast bowlers Doug Bollinger and Ryan Harris remain in a 12-man squad, with the starting XI to be decided before play, Ponting said.
“Mitchell Johnson is out of the side, so we are down to the other quickies left and we’ll decide the final make-up of the XI in the morning,” Ponting told reporters on Thursday.
“The selectors felt that he just down on a bit of form and down on a bit of rhythm, I think that was probably highlighted in the last game.
“As we all know, the game of Test match cricket is hard enough as it is without having to try and find those types of things in the middle of a Test match.”
Ponting said Johnson was noticeably out of touch.
“… He has got a little bit of time now obviously before the Perth Test match to hopefully rediscover some of that rhythm,” Ponting said.
“Everyone standing around the nets and watching him and watching him during the game last week realised he was a little bit off the mark and a bit off bowling the way that we know he can bowl.
“Quite often when we see most of our guys, it only takes (bowling coach) Troy (Cooley) and the coach (Tim Nielsen) and myself a few minutes to stand there and watch, and you just know whether those guys are in good touch or not.”
Australia team XI v England, The Ashes (12th man to be named): Ricky Ponting (capt), Michael Clarke, Simon Katich, Shane Watson, Mike Hussey, Marcus North, Brad Haddin, Xavier Doherty, Ryan Harris, Ben Hilfenhaus, Doug Bollinger.
Fisher Price
Guest
So, I wonder whether this will be a token action from the selectors (a la Phil Hughes being dropped in 09) or whether selections will start to be based on from and performance - not reputation. Johnson back for Perth?
matt
Guest
I am enjoying the idea of Hilfy being out with a hammy thus allowing Harris to play as he is like for like with Hilfy except for the 140+ at times bowling and the ability to make shield 50's with the bat.
jameswm
Guest
North is safe for this test apparently. I do think he'll be in trouble with one more failure though.
Jiggles
Guest
I’m puzzled as to why there has been no talk about North.
Fisher Price
Guest
I still wouldn't be surprised to see the almighty Mitchell front up. Good to see that Merv Hughes places Johnson's ego ahead of the interests of the team.
jameswm
Guest
Bollinger in for Johnson. Bolly does what Mitch is supposed to - swing it aay from their left-handed openers. I hope he opens and Siddle (who is a hit the pitch bowler) comes on 1st change. It also means you have openers (Bolly and Hilfy/Harris) moving it in different directions. Harris is cover for Hilfy, who has a dodgy hammy. Harris swings it away like Hilfy, but is quicker, bouncier, and downright meaner!