Johnson dropped from Australian XI for second Ashes Test?

ADELAIDE - Australia has dropped struggling fast bowler Mitchell Johnson for the second Test match of the Ashes series, starting in Adelaide on Friday, unconfirmed media reports have said.

According to Fox Sports, fast bowlers Doug Bollinger and Ryan Harris surged closer to Test recalls with lively spells in the Adelaide Oval nets on Wednesday.

Watched by selectors Andrew Hilditch and Jamie Cox, Bollinger and Harris had many a batsman hopping around on grassy practice pitches.

Hilditch was later seen in conversation with Johnson, and website sportsnewsfirst.com.au has reported that the left-arm fast bowler will not be included in the final XI.

Former cricketers have raised concerns over Johnson’s performance in the Ashes opener in Brisbane, where he went wicketless for the first time in his 39 Tests.

The 29-year-old now has the dubious honour of having not taken a wicket in over 400 Test deliveries and collecting Test figures at the Gabba of 0-170 off 42 overs with an economy rate of 4.05.

Earlier, former Australian batsman Mark Waugh had said that the selectors must change the team for Adelaide.

“As far as the fast bowling is concerned, obviously you’ve got to look at Bollinger, and Harris if he’s fit - they’re both very good bowlers,” Waugh had said.

“The problem with Mitchell Johnson is he’s too one-dimensional, and I think the opposition have worked him out,” he added.

Johnson is likely to be replaced in the starting XI by Bollinger, who was surprisingly left out of the opening Test when the selectors opted for first innings hero Peter Siddle.

Bollinger has picked up 47 wickets at an average of 22.02 in his past 10 matches, but has been out of action since the recent tour of India due to a side strain.

Australia’s squad for second Test:

Ricky Ponting (captain), Shane Watson, Simon Katich, Michael Clarke, Mike Hussey, Marcus North, Brad Haddin, Mitchell Johnson, Xavier Doherty, Peter Siddle, Ben Hilfenhaus, Doug Bollinger and Ryan Harris. (ANI)