Ashes: Ponting believes Johnson spell could set up series

PERTH - Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting believes that given his present rip-roaring form, left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Johnson, has set up the remaining part of the Ashes series nicely.

Johnson’s devastating return to form (nine wickets in Perth) will be felt throughout the rest of the Ashes series, The Age quoted Ponting, as saying.

“Mitch’s spell was unbelievable, probably one of the all-time great Ashes spells, and to have that happen when it did, and have him coming into the game under a bit of pressure as well, was an amazing achievement from him and brilliant for the team,” Ponting said.

He added: “It’s set up this victory and no doubt now set up the series for us.

“Some of the deliveries that he bowled that got their (England) batsmen out will now have them thinking seriously about the way that they play him,” he said.

England captain Andrew Strauss admitted he and his teammates had been surprised by the sudden return of Johnson’s ability to swing the ball, although he believed the favourable breeze at the WACA Ground had made it much easier for him to do that.

National selector Greg Chappell said Ponting himself deserved credit for his confidence to push for Johnson’s recall so soon after his omission.

“Obviously there’s a lot of satisfaction seeing the boys bounce back as they did,” Chappell said. (ANI)