Mitchell Johnson has been assured his Ashes' series isn't over despite being dropped for the second Test in Adelaide. The left-armer will still have a chance to prove to the Aussie selectors that he deserves to be a part of the host's plans for the third Test in Perth which starts on December 16th.
Despite missing out on the first 11, Johnson will stay with the squad rather than returning to Western Australia. The Aussie management are hoping that a week with the coaches will iron out his issues from the first Test. The Ashes cricket odds certainly indicate they will need him in top form.
Captain Ricky Ponting said: "Mitchell Johnson is out of the side, so we are down to the other quickies left. He has got a little bit of time now before the Perth Test match to, hopefully, rediscover some of that rhythm."
In Brisbane, Johnson's bowling was erratic and wayward not to mention his dropped catch of Andrew Strauss on 69. The 29-year-old will have to focus on finding some consistency in the nets and hope that one of the current pace line-up fails to perform.
Johnson is now in the awkward place of depending on the form of others for whether he will get chance to put right the wrongs from the first Test. Doug Bollinger looks set to return to the side after missing the first match of the series. Fellow left-armer Bollinger will bring swing into the side, something Johnson fails to do.
The seamer once again failed to show England why he is so highly rated in Australia, finishing with match figures of 0-170 at the Gabba. Johnson's Test record is as good as any in world cricket but when it comes to playing England the left-armer looks a different player. At the moment Australia don't look decent Ashes betting tips to take 20 wickets in a match.
England skipper Strauss expressed his surprise by the decision while insisting his side won't be focusing too much on Johnson's omission. The issue has only gone to highlight the fact that Australia are without a main strike bowler for the first time in recent history.
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