Johnson needs to be properly managed: Ponting by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Player:	MG Johnson, RT Ponting
Event:	Australia in British Isles 2009

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DateLine: 21st July 2009

 

Australia will need to invest time over the next few days rebuilding the confidence of Mitchell Johnson.

 

Although the left-arm all-rounder Mitchell Johnson claimed his 100th Test wicket in the 115-run defeat in the second Test at Lord's and also hit a half-century in vain, still his match figures of three for 200 are a concern for the Aussies.

 

The pacers arm appears to be getting lower than ever in delivery and his lack of control was taken great advantage by England's top order.

 

Troy Cooley, English bowling coach during their successful 2005 Ashes campaign, will spend time addressing his problems. The talented 27-year-old averages a very healthy 34.5 with the bat and just 29 with the ball in 23 Tests.

 

"Troy is obviously working really closely with him," said Australia captain Ricky Ponting. "What you don't want to do with youngish blokes - Mitch is still pretty new to the game and pretty new to fast-bowling really - is fill his head full with too much.

 

"We have to be careful of the way we manage him over the next little bit. He's up for the challenge.

 

"He's continually trying to make himself better in all aspects of his game. He'll continue to do that this week."

 

With Brett Lee still in doubt after suffering from a side strain, and looking unlikely to be in contention for the tour match against Northamptonshire starting Friday, the Aussies will have to decide whether or not Johnson needs to play the game or be away from the game for a while.

 

Skipper Ponting will speak to selector Jamie Cox in the next 24 hours about the series position and forthcoming match in Birmingham.

 

"It was only a week ago that we dominated the Test match as well," said Ponting, referring to the draw in Cardiff.

 

"We shouldn't forget that, and it's important that all the players don't forget that."