Hodge slams Oz selectors for picking ‘out-of-form’ Johnson for Perth Test
By ANITuesday, December 14, 2010
SYDNEY - Australian batsman Brad Hodge has ridiculed the national selectors for considering out-of-form left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Johnson for the third Ashes Test, starting in Perth from Thursday.
Johnson, who was axed by the selectors after he finished the opening Ashes Test in Brisbane wicketless, has been included in the 12-man squad for the third Test.
His most recent performance of note came in India, when he picked up 5-64 in the first innings of the opening Test in Mohali.
“Mitchell Johnson got dropped two weeks ago hasn’t played a game and now finds himself back in the side. How can you lose form and then find form without even playing a game? I find that bizarre,” Fox Sports quoted Hodge, as saying.
“And compared to me - I’d have to go back and make 1500 runs in a season to get back in the side and that doesn’t feel right in my mind,” he added.
The 35-year-old was also critical of the selection of inexperienced spinners Xavier Doherty and Michael Beer.
“Xavier Doherty got picked averaging around 48 in Sheffield Shield cricket Michael Beer is averaging 40. My spin bowling is 41 and my spin bowling is horrible!” Hodge said.
Australia is currently 0-1 down in the five-match series after losing the second Test in Adelaide by an innings and 71 runs. (ANI)
