The Ashes door has opened wider for Mitchell Johnson and Australian captain Michael Clarke says the fiery paceman is doing everything right to set himself up for a Test recall.
Having already boosted his prospects with some eye-catching form on Australia’s limited overs tour of the UK, Johnson’s odds of a Test return firmed further after Mitchell Starc was effectively ruled out of the upcoming series.
Starc on Monday joined fellow young guns James Pattinson and Pat Cummins on the long-term injured list with back stress fractures, while Ryan Harris (hamstring) and Jackson Bird (back) are under injury clouds.
It means selectors look increasingly likely to call on the experienced Johnson for the series against England in Australia, and they may have little hesitation in doing so based on his form.
The 31-year-old looked back to his best in Sunday’s 88-run ODI win over England, bowling with savage pace and movement to take 2-36 from 10 overs.
It followed Johnson’s 4-36 in the one-off match against Scotland last week, while he also impressed in the two-match T20 series.
Clarke said Johnson’s form was exciting for Australian cricket and felt a continuation of it would make him impossible to ignore come Ashes selection time.
“I think if Mitch continues to bowl the way he’s bowling, there’s no doubt (he’ll be in contention),” Clarke said after the win at Old Trafford.
“He wants to be part of all three forms of the game and all you can do is perform.
“If you’re a bowler, take wickets; if you’re a batter, score runs; and the selectors will certainly have to think about it.”
Australia’s injury concerns mean selectors could also consider the likes of one-day specialist Clint McKay, who has spoken of his desire to add to his sole Test appearance.
James Faulkner may also be in contention to start in the pace attack for the first Test at the Gabba in November, though coach Darren Lehmann indicated he was seen more as an allrounder.
Faulkner admitted Test selection was in the back of players’ minds in the UK but said it was not a distraction for him.
“Everyone’s hopeful of trying to hold on to their spot but at the moment I’m just concentrating on the one-day cricket and after that we’ll see what happens,” said Faulkner, who took 1-39 against England on Sunday.
Australia’s victory at Old Trafford gave them a 1-0 lead in the five-match series after game one in Leeds was washed out.
More than two months into their tour, Australia finally feel like the pressure has shifted to the hosts and Faulkner challenged the tourists to go on with the job.
“Any time you play a series, whether it’s a one-day series or a Test series, the first few games really dictates how the series is going to go,” Faulkner said.
“We don’t want to go home empty handed. We’ve played some good cricket for the last couple of months and it’s our time now to really put our foot on the throat and win these last few games.”
Game three is in Birmingham on Wednesday.