It was a tough call to drop http://www.senore.com/Cricket/MG-Johnson-c1945, says Clarke – Cricket News Update
Being able to retain his place in the playing XI after some ordinary performances in the past, Mitchell Johnson was unable to cement his place in the Australian Test side after a considerably successful performance in the final Test against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/South-Africa-c757,
at Perth.
Dropping the left-handed fast bowler from the squad against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/MJ-Clarke-c1978, revealed it as a “tough call.”
Justifying his call-up to the national side in the Perth Test, Johnson took a total of six wickets, after Peter Siddle and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/BW-Hilfenhaus-c1204 were rested to recover from fatigue at Adelaide.
However, not selecting the left-arm pacer for the upcoming Hobart Test, scheduled to kick-off this Friday, Clarke feels, “Mitch would feel unlucky, there's no doubt about it.”
“I think 'Sidds' (http://www.senore.com/Cricket/PM-Siddle-c2197) and 'Hilf' (Ben Hilfenhaus) deservedly come back into the team, being two guys who've performed very well over the past 12 months for us ... and 'Starky' (Starc) has been in the queue for a long time, the past eight to 12
months, and we thought he bowled really well in the Test match in Perth, as did Mitchell Johnson,” added http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Clarke-c51120.
Backing the decision to drop Johnson, the skipper feels the choice was made in the team’s best interest, as sticking to Hilfenhaus, Siddle and Starc was the need of the hour.
“Mitch will be fine. He'll continue to work his backside off and wait for his next opportunity, and try and grab it with both hands once again,” said the skipper.
The http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Adam-Griffith-c919, also believes that Johnson will come back strong from this setback. The coach also reflected that Johnson was called back to the national side a little earlier than his expectation, but if the bowler keeps on improving,
it will not take him long to get another opportunity.
The ground at Hobart is expected to aid fast bowlers. However, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Nathan-Michael-Lyon-c78822 will provide the home team with spin option.
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