Hussey backs Johnson to rip through Poms

Mike Hussey predicts Mitchell Johnson is set for a big day on Friday as Australia attempt to make meaningful inroads into England’s in-form batting line-up in the third Test at the WACA Ground.

England will resume on day two at 0-29, with Alastair Cook (17no) and Andrew Strauss (12no) looking to guide the visitors well past Australia’s 268.

Hussey backed Australia’s four-man pace attack, and in particular the recalled Johnson, to make life difficult for England.

“… Watching a couple of the replays on the board (from Johnson’s bowling on Thursday) it looked like he was getting some swing with the newer ball, which is a really good sign,” Hussey said.

“I know his confidence is up when he can get that ball to swing away from the left-handers.

“That’s a good sign for us for (Friday).

“Hopefully he can keep those emotions in check and really concentrate on getting the ball in the right area – he’ll be a real handful.

“We’ve certainly got a pitch that’s going to aid us.

“So if we can bowl well, in partnerships from both ends, and just keep getting the ball in the right area I think there’s . . . enough grass on the wicket, enough movement off the seam.

“Hopefully we can hang no to a couple of blinding catches just to get the bowlers’ confidence up as well.”

England paceman Chris Tremlett, who snared 3-63 on day one, felt England were well placed to win the Test.

“Obviously it was a great last half an hour there (on Thursday), the guys fought hard there to fight off the new ball, which is key,” Tremlett said.

“We will look to bat time and get a healthy lead and enough to go out there and bowl them out again.”