Australian coach Tim Nielson has expressed hopes that the out-of-form pacer, Mitchell Johnson will stage a comeback.
He said that everything necessary will be done to boost the morale of their misfiring fast bowler. Johnson’s place in the next match is in peril following a miserable display with the ball at the Gabba.
The Brisbane Test will be remembered for sometime, given the strong batting display by England. The colossal score line of 517 runs for the loss of 1 wicket has truly mesmerised the spectators. But Johnson’s dismal performance at the Gabba is seen as the
only cause for the poor Aussie display. He returned figures of 0 wickets for 170 runs from a complete spell and the confidence was further dented when he grounded an important catch off Strauss.
The Australian media seemed ruthless in the assessment of the pacer. Ian Chappell said that he should be dropped for the next match without a doubt. Doug Bollinger and Ryan Harris have been called up for the game in Adelaide, indicating the intentions of
the Australian management.
With their arrival, there are three spots for the five pacers, so the competition is intense. This also includes Xavier Doherty as a spinner alongside the fast bowlers. But Nielson is adamant that the highest outline bowler has to be revived with full force.
He also pointed out the fact that Johnson is not the only bowler struggling to retain his place in the team, others are too.
“He didn’t bowl as well as he would have liked, and that’s our job over the next couple of days to make sure we get him back up and going,” said Nielson. He explained sometimes bowlers do struggle upfront but come out as a surprise package which
puts them back in rhythm. That’s the challenge when it comes to a five-day contest.
According to the critics, the strategy adopted by England batsmen of playing inside the line of the ball has denied the pacer any wickets. Despite the criticism, Neilson and Ricky Ponting do realise that the series is squared up in terms of result. The next
match will be important but more importantly, whether Johnson finds his form or not, remains to be seen.
Tags: