Arthur backs ‘hot and cold’ Johnson to hit ‘gold dust’ form in Ashes series

SYDNEY - Western Australia coach Mickey Arthur has played down concerns over fast bowler Mitchell Johnson’s form, saying that he will be back to his blistering best during the Ashes series.

Johnson had claimed just one wicket in the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka.

“I think it is fair to say he is a little bit hot and cold at the moment by his own admission. I’m not sure if it’s technical or mental, I haven’t worked with him long enough to form an opinion on that, but what I do know is that he’s got that X-factor and those types of players are gold dust,” the Sydney Morning Herald quoted Arthur, as saying.

“They win you games. I think Mitch just has to bowl. I think the more Mitch bowls the better he becomes. It’s a lot like that with fast bowlers, I know (South Africa paceman) Dale Steyn is exactly the same.”

“He couldn’t have time off. The more they bowl, the better they become, and it’s going to be exactly the same with Mitchell,” he added.

Arthur further said that he would work with Johnson to get the best out of him during Western Australia’s Sheffield Shield clash against Victoria at the MCG.

“I’ll be working damn hard to get Mitchell Johnson right, firstly for WA - because if he bowls well we’ll come back with points - and then hopefully he can take that into the Australian season,” he added. (ANI)