Thursday 2 December 2010

Johnson Dropped Ahead Of Adelaide Test

Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson is set to be a spectator during the second Ashes Test match against England at Adelaide after captain Ricky Ponting revealed he had been released from the squad.

Here, he looks on as one of the players fighting for his place in the team, Doug Bollinger, bowls during practice at the Adelaide Oval. Ryan Harris, the other man to be called up following the first match, is also in contention for a recall as Ben Hilfenhaus's place comes under scrutiny.

Johnson's omission comes as no surprise following a return of 0-170 in the drawn opener at Brisbane and although he has a fine record in Australia, his record against England is poor:

Mitchell Johnson v England

20 wickets @ 41.05 - best of 5-69

Mitchell Johnson in Australia

84 wickets @ 23.26 - best of 8-61

Mitchell Johnson overall career

166 wickets @ 30.08 - best of 8-61

Hilfenhaus, meanwhile, has a better record against England but is relatively inexperienced in Test matches in Australia and his career record is also inferior to Johnson's:

Ben Hilfenhaus v England

23 wickets @ 32.43 - best of 4-60

Ben Hilfenhaus in Australia

6 wickets @ 35.33 - best of 3-20

Ben Hilfenhaus overall career

49 wickets @ 33.32 - best of 4-57