Former Ashes hero Mitchell Johnson is stirring up the cricket world with bold predictions of a “dramatic change” for the Australia Test team this summer. Johnson’s explosive remarks, targeting David Warner before the First Test against Pakistan, have set the tone for a potential shake-up in the squad.
As the anticipation builds for the series against Pakistan and the West Indies, Johnson suggests that the time is ripe for rejuvenating the ageing Australia Test team. The veteran fast-bowler points out that the selectors face a daunting task, especially with eight members of the expected XI aged 32 or older.
The talk surrounding Warner’s successor at the top of the batting order has been a hot topic, but Johnson emphasizes that this is just one piece of the puzzle. With Usman Khawaja (36) and former captain Steve Smith (34) on the senior end, and Mitchell Starc (33) and Nathan Lyon (35) in the twilight of their careers, Johnson sees a need for a comprehensive succession plan.
“Spots are up for grabs as the Australian Test team prepares to enter a period of dramatic change,” Johnson writes in a column for The West Australian. “It’s the building of the future that Australia must be looking at.”
When to launch ‘fresh’ faces in Australia Test Team?
Johnson proposes that this summer’s series against Pakistan and the West Indies provides an excellent opportunity to introduce fresh talent. He specifically singles out 25-year-old fast bowler Lance Morris as a promising candidate to make his Test debut, especially on the fast and bouncy pitch expected in Perth.
“This summer is a great opportunity to blood some young or performing players,” Johnson urges. “Fast bowler Lance Morris should be the first of those.”
Lance Morris has earned a spot in the 14-man squad for the series opener, and Johnson believes that the challenging conditions in Perth make it an ideal setting for the young tearaway to showcase his skills.
While Mitchell Marsh’s recent form potentially rules out Cameron Green from the squad, Johnson suggests that Marsh could even be considered to replace Warner at the top of the batting order, allowing Australia to play with two all-rounders.
As the selectors mull over these changes, Captain Pat Cummins has not dismissed the idea, leaving room for intrigue and speculation. With the likes of Marnus Labuschagne, Matt Renshaw, Cameron Bancroft, and Marcus Harris also in contention, the upcoming series promises a mix of experience and fresh faces.
The cricketing world awaits to see whether Mitchell Johnson’s predictions of a “dramatic change” will materialize and how these potential shifts will impact the Australia Test Team dynamics in the coming months.
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