Australia vs India 2018-19: Australia's Pace Trio Needs to Be Pushed For Their Places - Mitchell Johnson

Former Australia fast bowler Mitchell Johnson feels that the current pace attack of Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Starc should be pushed for their places after a disappointing summer. The trio has been the match-winners for Australia in the longest format, but their recent failures have prompted Johnson to urge selectors to look for more options beyond them.

Meanwhile, the selectors have rested the three pacers for the ODI series against India. Instead, Jhye Richardson, Billy Stanlake and a returning Peter Siddle would take over the fast bowling responsibilities. With the World Cup being an Australia’s priority Mitchell Johnson believes the defending champions would need to prepare and find bowlers who could be useful in English conditions.

“Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins have excellent records over their careers, but have not been able to get the job done this summer,” Johnson wrote in a column for the Sunday Times. “They now need to be pushed for their places and the Sri Lanka series provides an opportunity to look at some quicks who could be successful in English conditions,” he added.

Starc likely to lose his place

In addition to, Mitchell Johnson believes based on the current form, Starc is likely to lose his place from the playing XI. Skipper Tim Paine recognised how Starc’s form has gone below what Australia have come to expect and spoke how the pacer has not been at his best for a while now.

“The question of who would make room for them is a difficult one, however on current form Starc might need to make way,” Johnson said. “Starc has a tremendous overall record but has not enjoyed the best past year. He appears to be struggling with a lack of rhythm,” he added.

However, Mitchell Johnson noted that it was would have been wise to include the three pacers in the ODI squad. Moreover, Johnson feels Australia missed the trick by fielding Starc in the Sydney Test.

 “The selectors missed a trick by resting the three pacemen from the upcoming one-day international series against India,” Johnson said.

“Starc bowls really well with the white ball and could have used the 50-over format to find form and confidence. He could have been left out of the Sydney Test and then unleashed with the white ball and with a point to prove,” he concluded.