Australia include Mitchell Johnson ahead of Gabba Test – Cricket News Update
Australian selectors have included fast bowlers, Mitchell Johnson, Josh Hazlewood and John Hastings, in the 14-man squad which will contest South Africa in the final Test of the three-match series at WACA.
Despite dominating the opening two contests, the home side had to settle for frustrating draws, and will now need to win the final clash in order to upstage their opponents and become the new no.1 Test side.
They had a perfect chance to draw first blood in the just concluded Adelaide Test, after they had put South Africa on the back foot following the end of the penultimate day’s proceeding. In reply to Australia’s 430, the tourists had lost four wickets for 45 and trailed their opponents by 353 runs before the start of the final morning.
However, resilient batting performances from AB de Villiers, Jacques Kallis and Faf du Plessis, who ended the match with a debut century, allowed the Proteas to weather out the Aussie bowling threat, and earn a thrilling draw.
The hosts were further dealt a blow after they lost James Pattinson through injury and had to rely on Ben Hilfenhaus, Peter Siddle and Nathan Lyon to carry the bulk of the workload. Despite their fighting efforts, they failed to take the remaining six wickets on the final day as Proteas ended the day on 248 for 8.
Keeping in mind the extended bowling outing from their bowlers, the Aussies have included three more pacers in the squad. Johnson, who last played international cricket in November last year, makes a return to the Test group, and will be accompanied by New South Wales’ youngster Hazlewood and Victorian John Hastings.
Moreover, it is expected that Shane Watson is likely to make a return to the playing XI after the selectors axed Rob Quiney from the group, following his pair at Adelaide. Ricky Ponting retains his place, despite putting in another below par performance.
The final Test begins from November 30.
Squad: David Warner, Ed Cowan, Shane Watson, Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke (capt), Michael Hussey, Matthew Wade, Mitchell Johnson, John Hastings, Peter Siddle, Ben Hilfenhaus, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
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