With the number one ranking going on the line this Friday at the WACA, Michael Clarke and the selectors have a tough decision on whether to play four quicks plus Shane Watson or to play three quicks plus Shane Watson and spinner Nathan Lyon.
Whichever way the selectors go, Mitchell Johnson must be in the attack if Australia are to win the series and regain the number one ranking.
History indicates that when Johnson plays in the Perth Test, he always gets wickets, even if he is slightly under form.
Johnson averages an impressive 18 with 30 wickets at his adopted home ground. Those wickets include a spell of against South Africa four years ago where he claimed 5/2 in 22 balls. He ended up with match figures of 11/159, his career best.
Two years he also ripped through England’s top order with 6/38 and match figures of 9/82.
Mitchell Starc looks certain to replace James Pattinson but if Australia go with a four-man pace attack, Johnson should be included. Not only does he provide a load of experience but he can also adds strength to Australia’s lower order.
Despite Johnson averaging a horrendous 85 the last series the two teams played in, he, took 33 wickets at 25 in the two series in 2008/09. Johnson is starting to recapture his 2009/10 form that saw him become the no.1 bowler in Test and ODI matches and be named cricketer of the year.
He is probably the most feared bowler of the Australian attack by the South African batsman, especially Graeme Smith, who had his left hand broken twice by Johnson in the 08/09 season.
It’s a huge risk bringing Johnson in considering his last six Test matches have yielded just 13 wickets at an average of 58 and he averaged a less than impressive 31 in the UAE series against Pakistan in August.
But if Australia are to win the third Test, claim the series and regain the no.1 ranking, Johnson has to be in the side.
matt h
Guest
A likely scenario is Ponting at silly point being taken out by a Johnson wayward full toss.
Disco
Roar Guru
I don't think they're any better. As you allude to, the coach and captain are now selectors too, which represents a conflict of interest.
Rabbitz
Roar Guru
Looks like you will get your chance. Johnson is in the 12 so I guess Hazelwood carries the drinks. I, on the other hand, am a bit torn- I would like to watch Punter close out his wonderful career, but as Johnson is in the line up I really couldn't be bothered.
Jocelyn McLennan
Roar Guru
yes but I am holding out hope to see this new and improved version of Johnson everyone is talking about.
Rabbitz
Roar Guru
I disagree about him being a wicket taker. His best figures are oft quoted, however, lets look at his last Test, which happened to be against the South African's he so terrifies: 1/67 and 1/101 so 2/168 or a S/R of 84 - Pretty piss poor. And in an effort to temper the excitement of his best figures of 8/61, his worst figures are against the Poms at Brisbane in 2010 0/66 and 0/104 for Match figures of 0/170 and an infinitely high S/R. In his 89 test innings he has claimed 1 or fewer wickets on 35 occasions, again not a real flash statistic. Over those 89 innings he claimed 190 wickets - an average of under 2.2 per innings. Not real a wicket taker is he now?
jameswm
Guest
He's been better this season, though not good enough to warrant selection ahead of others. I think they will go for him because we need a win and love him or hate him, Mitch is a wicket taker.
jameswm
Guest
If they play 4 quicks + Watto, he's very protected, not that you should have to prptect one of your bowlers.
jameswm
Guest
Yeah the Engish crowds will be merciless with him too.
Rabbitz
Roar Guru
Couple of enormous 'if's' in there... Accuracy and 'on the pitch' are two things not readily associated with Johnson.
Jocelyn McLennan
Roar Guru
After this wet weather in Perth and the westerly that will still be blowing tomorrow in Perth, the WACA pitch will swing like a barn door for the first two sessions at least. Johnson could reap a bag full if he concentrates on his accuracy, keeps them on the pitch should Australia win the toss and send SA in to bat going against the traditional call. I think the elements will play havoc with whoever is batting tomorrow morning. Conditions Terry Alderman would have relished.
Old Creeker
Guest
I have a feeling this may just be a beat up. Hilf, Sids and Lyon will play, Starc will come in for Pattinson. Watson will bowl. The final XI will be far more settled that the rumours. Or at least, I hope...
Duncan Gering
Guest
I don't know about you, but I want my fast bowlers to be mean, unsociable, angry and aggressive with a hint of downright nasty. Nice doesn't cut it. And in my book Johnson doesn't either.
Timmuh
Roar Guru
They are heaps better, Johnson wasn't playing in Brisbane and Adelaide. I still think that having the captain and coach as selectors is a problem though, they don't get to see anyone who is not part of a national squad and are more likely to support people they know above state players they have had nothing to do with.
Christo the Daddyo
Guest
"Hi, I'd like to be a National Cricket Selector please" Sure, step inside, but please leave your common sense and judgement outside. You won't be needing them in here. "OK, that's no problem at all."
Disco
Roar Guru
Johnson's recall is proof of what we've been fearing for 12 months - the new selection panel is not better than Hilditch et al.
Disco
Roar Guru
Johnson has helped lose many Test matches for Australia already.
Disco
Roar Guru
Just like when Punter got picked to play against India and we suspected he'd do well, though feared it would be a one-off show of good form.
Max
Guest
Moderate form at shield level and two great bowling spells with one against South Australia (Arguably the Australian equivalent to the Netherlands) does not mean he should earn a recall. He needs consistent performances over at least two shield seasons showing form for at least 12 months before even getting a mention a la Starc and Bird. There is already enough discussion on Bird so lets not go into specifics but ARE THE SELECTORS STUPID. That is all.
Matt F
Roar Guru
"He is probably the most feared bowler of the Australian attack by the South African batsman, especially Graeme Smith, who had his left hand broken twice by Johnson in the 08/09 season." He may have been 4 years ago but I have a feeling that the series from last year, where MJ took 3 wickets at 85 a piece has destroyed any "fear" that they may have once had
Brian
Guest
I agree how can people constantly bring up his Perth test matches and forget the rest. How many Ashes series are we going to lose based on Ponting and Johnson. The Poms lost Ashes after Ashes with Hick, Thorpe, Stewart, Caddicket et al. In 2005 they dropped Thorpe weeks before the series and bought in Bell - an inferior player but unscathed. Bell didn't do much but they won the series. Johnson has had plenty of games and bowled plenty of wide deliveries, its worth remembering that those two series where Johnson had a great spell at the WACA are also the only 2 series lost on home soil for the last 20 odd years, Johnson would play the whole game not just one hour.