Johnson eyes Perth Test

Mitchell Johnson will be chomping at the bit to be recalled to the Australia side for this week’s Third Test at Perth. The pitch at the WACA is expected to offer plenty to the fast bowlers and it could well be just what Johnson needs to rediscover the sort of form he has shown in the past.

The 29 year old was unceremoniously dropped from the Aussie side after the First Test at Brisbane, where he finished with match figures of 0-170 as well as fluffing a vital catch from Andrew Strauss. Rather than being sent back to Western Australia to play some matches, Johnson was kept around the Aussie squad and focused on getting his mind right for another chance.

With Doug Bollinger missing out at Perth, online cricket betting pundits note how Johnson has been named alongside fellow quickies Ben Hilfenhaus, Peter Siddle and Ryan Harris in the 12 man squad named for this week’s Third Test. Australia’s bowling coach Troy Cooley has made it clear that Johnson is determined to reclaim his place in the Test side.

“He’s working his backside off. All he wants to do is play well for his country.”

Johnson came into this series with much the same role as he did in 2009 in England, as his side’s premier strike bowler and on both times failed to live up to his billing.

It’s hard for the English to understand what all the fuss is about when it comes to Johnson but the Aussie public are well aware of what a dangerous bowler they have on their side, when the left-armer is on song.

If the cricket betting odds are to back the Aussie’s to have any hope of getting back into this series, then they are going to need Johnson to stand –up and be counted, starting this week.