Johnson’s selection puts pressure on Oz coaching staff: Blewett

MELBOURNE - Fast bowler Mitchell Johnson’s inclusion in Australia’s World Cup squad has placed added pressure on Johnson and the coaching staff to ensure he’s up to the task, according to Greg Blewett.

Speaking to foxsports.com.au following his comments on Inside Cricket that Johnson should be overlooked for the trip to the subcontinent, Blewett said the onus was now on Australia to make the best of his inclusion.

“I don’t think it hurts Australia, you just don’t know necessarily what you’re going to get from one day to the next. When you go into a tournament like that and if it gets to a knockout stage, for me I want the sort guys that I can rely on,” Blewett said.

Blewett said on Monday, “I don’t think with Mitchell Johnson, at the moment, you get that. We know what he’s capable of, but I’ve seen him the last few games and he’s occasionally running in with the ball in his non-bowling arm, a couple of balls per over.”

For all the reservations Blewett has about Johnson, he is just as happy to see Brett Lee and Shaun Tait included in the Australia pace attack.

“I think those two bowling well are very dangerous. I was rapt to see those two guys in the squad, especially Shaun Tait, I think he’s one of the best death bowlers in world cricket so he’s going to be valuable over there,” Blewett said. (ANI)