Australia vs India 2018: Perth Wicket is Fastest in Australia - Mitchell Johnson

After a thriller at the Adelaide Oval, the Optus Stadium is set to host the second Test match between India and Australia. Meanwhile, according to the former pacer, Mitchell Johnson, Perth promises to be a bouncy track.

However, India sealed a 31-run win in the first Test. Though Tim Paine’s side struggled to chase down a target of 323, there was no lack of fight from the hosts. Also, the pacers from both the teams looked promising although Aussies would want Mitchell Starc to return to form ahead of the next game, which begins on December 14th.

Johnson confident of pace in Perth

Meanwhile, Starc couldn’t fire with the new ball. He sent down a number of deliveries down the leg-side; costing byes. He lacked the rhythm and looked like a pale shadow of his past. On the other hand, the Indian seamers did a good job. Ishant Sharma struggled with no-balls, barring that there were hardly any cons.

However, Johnson feels the track in Perth is the fastest in Australia and that it will test the batters.

“There will be a lot of pace and bounce. The fast bowlers from both teams will have a gala time on this strip which I reckon is the fastest pitch in Australia,” said Johnson, who was known for his sheer pace and line.

Perth to suit the hosts?

Of late, Australia’s coach, Justin Langer echoed Johnson’s views. He said there will be no dearth of pace in Perth.

“I think Perth will definitely suit our guys a lot more than the Indian players, but the Aussies need to bounce back pretty quickly,” Ponting told cricket.com.au.

The trio – Mitch Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins have their task cut out against a strong Indian line-up. It is the first time in history that an Indian touring side has taken a 1-0 lead at the end of the first Test down-under. The hosts now have the ideal track to send down the snorters and regain momentum in the series.