Out-of-sorts Johnson must call on experience to rediscover form before Ashes

SYDNEY - Australia’s pace ace Mitchell Johnson quickly needs to rediscover his deadly rhythm before the Ashes series against England gets underway.

In his previous campaign against the old enemy last year, Johnson had to muster his innermost strength to add respectability in the final three Tests after a disastrous start, which including a self-assessed implosion at Lord’s, where the unforgiving crowd bore down on the left-armer.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, since his return home, Johnson has taken three wickets in one Sheffield Shield game, and one wicket from the three ODIs against Sri Lanka, with combined figures of 1-128 from 22 overs.

According to the paper, the lack of wickets is alarming as is his struggle to retain accuracy.

Whatever the issues, they must be identified and resolved post-haste if Australia are to regain the urn.

Western Australia’s coach Mickey Arthur sounds ominous when he describes Johnson as the man upon whom the Ashes will sway.

“The key to the Ashes is going to be how well Mitchell bowls. He’s the one out-and-out strike bowler that Australia have and I’ve seen first-hand how good he is when he gets it right. He can win games. I think it’s fair to say he probably is a bit hot and cold at the moment,” the SMH quoted Arthur, as saying. (ANI)