Surgery to keep Johnson out
Source: Agencies |
December 1, 2011, Thursday
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AUSTRALIA skipper Michael Clarke thinks pace spearhead Mitchell Johnson will benefit from time out of cricket while he recovers from a foot injury that is likely to keep him sidelined for five months.
Johnson has had a series of medical tests since returning from Australia's tour to South Africa last week and has been told he needs an operation to repair soft tissue damage around the big toe on his left foot.
Cricket Australia said Johnson would travel to Melbourne for final assessment by a surgical team, with team doctor Trefor James saying surgery could follow within 24 hours.
Australian team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said rehabilitation from the surgery was expected to keep Johnson out for four to five months, ruling him out of the home test series against New Zealand and India and likely the West Indies tour starting in March.
The 30-year-old Johnson has been in indifferent form with the ball, and the big, strong left-arm quick even had to modify his run up in the second test against South Africa. His haul of only three wickets for 255 in the drawn 1-1 series in South Africa had him under increasing pressure to retain his spot in the pace attack.
Ben Cutting, James Pattinson and Mitchell Starc have been drafted into the Australian squad for the first test against New Zealand, starting today, at the Gabba, with Peter Siddle expected to lead the attack. Australia's bowling stocks were further eroded with Shane Watson and Ryan Harris unavailable for the opener against New Zealand, but they are expected back during the series.
Clarke said while it was disappointing to lose Johnson for such a long period, it could have a positive spin for the paceman.
"I've said all along that he's a wonderful talent and somebody I love having around the group," Clarke said. But the injury "could have a good impact, gives him some time away from the game to clear his head and get himself fit and strong and get back. It's disappointing on behalf of the team ... but in regards to his individual career, I see no reason why he can't get back to his best, if not better, after his operation."
Johnson has had a series of medical tests since returning from Australia's tour to South Africa last week and has been told he needs an operation to repair soft tissue damage around the big toe on his left foot.
Cricket Australia said Johnson would travel to Melbourne for final assessment by a surgical team, with team doctor Trefor James saying surgery could follow within 24 hours.
Australian team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said rehabilitation from the surgery was expected to keep Johnson out for four to five months, ruling him out of the home test series against New Zealand and India and likely the West Indies tour starting in March.
The 30-year-old Johnson has been in indifferent form with the ball, and the big, strong left-arm quick even had to modify his run up in the second test against South Africa. His haul of only three wickets for 255 in the drawn 1-1 series in South Africa had him under increasing pressure to retain his spot in the pace attack.
Ben Cutting, James Pattinson and Mitchell Starc have been drafted into the Australian squad for the first test against New Zealand, starting today, at the Gabba, with Peter Siddle expected to lead the attack. Australia's bowling stocks were further eroded with Shane Watson and Ryan Harris unavailable for the opener against New Zealand, but they are expected back during the series.
Clarke said while it was disappointing to lose Johnson for such a long period, it could have a positive spin for the paceman.
"I've said all along that he's a wonderful talent and somebody I love having around the group," Clarke said. But the injury "could have a good impact, gives him some time away from the game to clear his head and get himself fit and strong and get back. It's disappointing on behalf of the team ... but in regards to his individual career, I see no reason why he can't get back to his best, if not better, after his operation."
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