Cricket legend Mitchell Johnson says he will make three big changes to the line-up as Australia look to secure the Ashes… So will David Warner make the cut?
Mitch Johnson to make three changes Australia need just one draw to hold on Cricket great says changes needed
Former Aussie Test cricket star Mitchell Johnson has revealed three changes to Australia’s squad ahead of the fourth Test at Old Trafford.
Throughout his illustrious career, Johnson terrorized the English batsmen with his deadly pace and left-arm swing, becoming a key player for Australia.
In the 2013–14 Ashes series, he took 37 wickets at an average of 13.97, making it one of the most dominant displays by a fast bowler in the history of the tournament.
Now the former Test legend believes the Aussies are in a good position ahead of the Old Trafford Test – but there are things he would change if he was in charge.
Johnson believes there are three key areas the selectors need to address – David Warner’s opening slot, the all-rounder’s role and what to do with the bowling attack.
Mitchell Johnson has announced some changes to the Australian squad ahead of the fourth Test at Old Trafford later this week.
Johnson said he would drop David Warner due to his form and replace him with Marcus Harris
‘Generally speaking, Warner is out because he is out of form, Michael Nesser is in because he is in form and Mitch Marsh keeps his place for the same reason,’ Johnson wrote in The West Australian.
‘I will pick Marcus Harris to open the batting with Nesser in place of Usman Khawaja and Scott Boland, with Cam Green absent despite declaring himself fit to play.
‘Nesser will be confident after another century in county cricket this week and he has bowled well there and in Australia last summer, when he took 40 wickets at 16.7 in eight Sheffield Shield matches.’
Indeed, Nesser reminded the selectors of his worth with a career-best unbeaten 176 for Glamorgan a week away from the Test camp.
The Queenslander hit 25 boundaries and two sixes in his superb performance to score his fourth first-class century.
“The Green vs. Marsh fight is a tough one and a big call to make either way, but I have Marsh ahead,” Johnson said.
‘Green was not at his best in the first two Tests and may be a bit tired physically and mentally after a lot of cricket, including the Indian Premier League, and the workload of an all-rounder.
‘Marsh went through this early in his career when he came under criticism, which is fading by the day, for having to be switched on for such a large proportion of any Test match.’
Johnson said he would go with Mitch Marsh over Cam Green for the all-rounder role
Johnson believes Queenslander Michael Nesser’s form has earned him a place in the squad
Johnson also believes that the Aussies need to support spinner Toddy Murphy and give him more balls.
He said, ‘He was trusted in just 7.3 and two overs in the last Test.’
‘I can see why Cummins was reluctant to bowl Murphy, as England could have targeted him, but Nathan Lyon has had success.
‘Although there is a gulf of experience between Lyon and Murphy, the 22-year-old has shown early signs that he is very capable.’
The fourth Test of the Ashes begins on Wednesday, July 19 at Old Trafford.