Johnson rested from first two ODIs against Pakistan
By ANIThursday, January 14, 2010
HOBART - Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson will be rested from the first two one-day internationals of the five-match series against Pakistan at the Gabba on January 22 and Sydney on January 24.
Australian selectors, who named separate 12-man squads for the two ODIs, said that they opted to give Johnson a break following the heavy workload through back-to-back Test series against the West Indies and Pakistan.
The selectors are mindful of keeping strike weapon Johnson as fresh as possible, as Australia have a tight schedule for the next six weeks with one-day series as well as Twenty20 games against Pakistan and West Indies, before touring New Zealand in March and then contesting the ICC World Twenty20,
Chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said that Johnson would return to the side for the final three games, The Australian reports.
Meanwhile, in the absence of Johnson, the fast bowling duties will be shared among Doug Bollinger, Peter Siddle, Clint McKay and Shane Watson while Nathan Hauritz will be the main spinner.
Queensland all-rounder James Hopes has been named to play in the opening game, while West Australian batsman Adam Voges will play in the second game.
Squad for the Gabba ODI: Ricky Ponting (c), Michael Clarke, Doug Bollinger, Brad Haddin, Nathan Hauritz, James Hopes, Mike Hussey, Shaun Marsh, Clint McKay, Peter Siddle, Shane Watson and Cameron White.quad for the Sydney ODI: Ricky Ponting (c), Michael Clarke, Doug Bollinger, Brad Haddin, Nathan Hauritz, Mike Hussey, Shaun Marsh, Clint McKay, Adam Voges, Peter Siddle, Shane Watson and Cameron White. (ANI)
