Mitchell Johnson has been ruled out of the fourth Test, beginning on Tuesday.
CA physio Alex Kountouris said here on Sunday, “Mitchell (Johnson) had some right hamstring soreness during the Boxing Day Test and we have been closely monitoring his recovery since that match but feel he has not fully recovered.”
He added, “As such, he will not play in the Sydney Test match. We expect him to recover in time to play a part in the upcoming tri-series against England and India.”
Australian coach Darren Lehmann said, “Mitchell is an important part of our plans for the remainder of our summer and we want him hundred per cent right, so won't be taking any risks with him.”
He has had a mixed series with the ball. His scorching spell in the Indian second innings in Brisbane (he claimed four for 61) virtually won the second Test for Australia. But then his numbers for the series — 13 wickets in three Tests at 35.53 — are rather below par for a fast bowler with his attributes.
Johnson batted capably down the order — his first innings 88 at the ’Gabba was a game-changing knock — and made headlines for his on-field spats with Kohli. It was not quite the same Johnson of the Ashes series down under last season.
