Mitchell Johnson - the WACA specialist

*2013/14 Ashes fixtures added!
The likelihood of changes being made to the bowling unit ahead of the WACA Test is good.
The possibility of Mitchell Johnson making a return to bowl for the Baggy Greens is very good as well.
The general opinion surrounding this move? Seems to be hit and miss so let's look at the mix.

Ahead of the third Test the National Selection Panel made some changes to the side which will inevitably see a different squad walk out onto the field as the Baggy Greens and the Proteas battle it out for the final Test, having seen the Adelaide Oval Test turn into survival on a battleground for the Proteas.

John Hastings has been given a call to the side to potentially debut.
This season Hasto (who was in our 2011 World Cup Squad) has taken 22 Sheffield Shield wickets at 19.09, along with 200 runs in 6 innings as 33.33.
His bowling has seen two 5fers and he is nicely situated fifth spot on the bowling ranks for the season thus far.

A big benefit with Hasto is having that bloke who can bowl bursts of overs that can build pressure with ease and even cause more experienced batsmen to suffer lapses in concentration. Andrew McDonald fulfilled this role very well in 2008/09 and Shane Watson has done an exceptional job with the duty as well.

The other factor not to be forgotten is Hasto can provide useful lower order runs.
This should be important with James Pattinson out of the picture.

The other call to duty was Josh Hazlewood, a young gun I have kept an eye on as he has pushed on considerably since first being detected on the radar for most supporters as a member of the Australian u/19 World Cup Squad a few years back.

I won't question his skills but do find the selection call one based purely on potential rather than performance, which is not entirely justifiable when you see Jackson Bird (27 wickets at 20.55), Luke Butterworth (25 wickets at 17.72) and Ben Cutting (18 wickets at 21.33) putting in excellent performances. All three have done so with consistency at State level too.

Hazlewood has season stats of 9 wickets in 7 innings at 46.33.

Not figures I would warrant as credible for receiving a Baggy Green cap but the youngster is a talented bowler (hence his call to the side) and it's great to see players like him coming through the bowling ranks for the future.
If selected his performance in the moment would be the factor that gets the fans talking, not his prior performances or accolades.

Peter Siddle and Ben Hilfenhaus could do with the cover.
James Pattinson is out for the season after injury and Siddle and Hilfy will likely still feel the agony both physically and mentally after their efforts to win in Adelaide - one bowler down.

The impact fast bowling has on the body is intense but having been kept at bay by some outstanding discipline from the Proteas middle order, it makes it harder to recover both on the body and determination within the mind.

However, Pedro Siddle is a bloke whose ambition I have commented on more than once here and he will see it as unfinished business. Based on this I can see him taking the ball at the WACA. I hope he does and no doubt it will be a ferocious effort.

Hilfy should not be ruled out as last summer against India he pulled out 8 wickets at an average of 12.12 for the match, which was a huge contrast after a shocker at the venue in the 2010/11 Ashes.

The injury risk with Hilfy is far greater than that of Siddle so I would be expecting a replacement be brought in for Hilfy ahead of Siddle, but his input last season should not be forgotten, despite the Proteas being a stronger side than that of present India.

Shane Watson has been making good progress in the nets and is moving in the right direction to return to the side.

His bowling is the going to be the key ingredient as that slight magic he tends to bring was missing in the first two Tests of this series. It greatly aids Michael Clarke having a bowler of Watto's variation and adaptability up his sleeve - not to forget experience.

Clarke has also been open in preferring Watto for selection only on the basis that he can both bat and bowl. The last media report, from the skipper himself, strongly suggested Watto is ready to return as the leading all-rounder for the side. Very good news but we also need plenty of runs from him and starts being converted into something he knows all to well about.

Mitchell Starc is a bowler I am excited to see play against a top side at the venue.

He has been in sensational form within the limited overs versions and has done so at both State and International level giving good indication that he is in a good place.

Test cricket is a different animal and Starc's input cannot be underestimated and the importance as a tall, left arm seamer ought to be something he should be aware of.

Due to injury has had limited appearance this summer which should raise caution for selection in a format he has only represented Australia in four times, but the two games played for New South Wales brought him 7 wickets at 22.00.

This brings me to the man who has become a WACA specialist.

He has had a dreadful fall from great heights after being named ICC Cricket of the Year in 2008/09.
However, Mitchell Johnson has used the back seat as an opportunity to focus on what is ahead and just work his way through the system with the Western Warriors and is now cruising again in control.

This season Mitchy has taken 17 wickets at 29.00.

Of the five matches played in three of these Sheffield games have been at the WACA.
Of the games at the WACA he has taken 13 wickets which would once again suggest good reason for the selectors seeing confidence in his recall to the side for an opportunity.

Mitchy's WACA stats for Australia in Test cricket stand as follows:

4 matches, 160.1 overs sent down, 30 wickets (15.78% of his career wickets) at 18.31, two five wickets hauls and a 10 wicket haul for the match.

Those statistics and memories associated shout out performances creditted as totally awesome!
The last time Mitchy bowled at the Proteas was mesmerising and if you didn't witness it all I can say is what a pity!

He was brutal and I was glad to be sitting in my living room and not standing with the bat in hand.
He was at the top of his game, unplayable, fast and deadly accurate!

Mitchy walked away from that game with 11 wickets and a best innings effort at 8/61.

The game will be remembered as a record run chase loss to the Proteas but that effort from Mitch is still strong within my memories.
Furthering that was the lonely victory in the 2010/11 Ashes series where Mitch struck back at critics to take 9 wickets for the Test with best innings figures of 6/38.

History seldom repeats itself but in the instance of Mitchy at the WACA this was certainly the case come the Ashes but we need the input again. It would also do his reputation the world of good having found himself somewhat of an outcast to the cricketing world.

There is always a gamble taken with Mitchy in a side as you never know what you will get on the day. With further use of Mitch is limited overs cricket it seemed to allow for a limitation between his best and worse, whereas the harsh nature of Test cricket does not allow for this.

Fortune and luck play a big part though in the game, as we have seen plenty evidence this series.

If Mitchell goes out onto that ground with total confidence and a new captain to utilise his abilities (Michael Clarke has never captained Mitchell Johnson in a Test) it could definitely see fortune go both our way, and his way.

A few of the Proteas players won't have forgotten that spell at the WACA and another that followed shortly after at Kingsmead, Durban. Notably Jacques Kallis and Graeme Smith.

Hopefully a few more battlescars and mental wounds can be inflicted when the red ball is taken.

Australian Squad for the WACA clash:Michael Clarke (capt), David Warner, Ed Cowan, Shane Watson, Ricky Ponting, Michael Hussey, Matthew Wade, Mitchell Johnson, John Hastings, Peter Siddle, Ben Hilfenhaus, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
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I am not longer writing daily match analysis reports as I have done the last 5 years.
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In short though, we see the major difference it can make when catches get taken and discipline is maintained!

The caught and bowled spilled by Pedro Siddle against Hashim Amla and the no-ball dismissal of Jacques Kallis may have resulted in the difference between 300/350 all out versus 450!

We have paid the price but there's still two days to go in this Test match.

Bowlers discipline was better and although it was hard grafting in early sessions, they bowled better as a unit and pitched it fuller, creating more pressure and opportunities.

Batting wise we're in a position I am not worried about but certainly frustrated in the manner with which Warner and Quiney's wickets fell. Punter was outdone by a good delivery from Morne Morkel.
We have Clarkey (34*) and Ed (49*) at the crease and they did very well to survive till stumps.

I am confident these two guys can steer us in the right direction with true Test stamina and we still have Michael Hussey and Matt Wade in the hut.



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The battle is hours away

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The first Test is not long away now, single digit hours now with the countdown for a Test series which will determine which team walks away as the number one ranked team as it was in 2008 but much has changed since then.

However, this is not the primary focus as history will remind us that each and every session between these two teams is a battle in itself which is as mentally draining for the players as it is for the supporters - especially when waking up at 1 or 2 am in the morning!

The fact remains that the objective since Michael Clarke took over the captaincy, with a more established side and support staff, was that the team wanted to regain the spot as the number 1 ranked Test side having fallen from such great heights. The fact the boys are so close to this is admirable and a series win will snatch the title away from the Proteas, a very well established side with comfortable balance. Maintaining that rank is another ball game.

The weather doesn't look great for the Test but it looks likely that we'll see four fast bowlers take to the field with the batsmen geared up and ready to go. I am content with this mix and I do think it will be a good move. We may say that it is always good to have a spinner in the side but we shouldn't kid ourselves. The role is nowhere near as vital as it once was and at the Gabba I wouldn't be losing sleep over it. The decision is a good one.

I also know Dr. Sherylle Calder has been with the side to assist with her experience and skills as a eye-hand specialist and world renowned Sports Scientist. I had the honor of meeting and interviewing her for educational purposes with her earlier this year and was able to recommend.

It's good that since the Argus Review new and bold steps have been taken to try and strengthen the transition period.
With Justin Langer looking like a the possible new coach for Western Australia there is no doubt in my mind that he will be giving it 100% in his final summer with the side and I hope all the different attitudes, ideas and experience will mold strongly.

There is some exciting news tomorrow.

Rob "Bobby" Quiney will be making his debut as Baggy Green #429.

It is an occasion that always gives me goosebumps when a player joins the great legacy of Australian cricket and is given a chance to create their own chapter in such a great book of legendary players and sides.

Rob has no record like that of many players who broke into the Australian team at his age during the teams peak, nor does he have the perceived experience as many players had then debuting at his age. The fact is the State landscape has changed for batting.

As it was with our bowling four years ago when taking on the Proteas, this time around we see it with our batting stocks. Fortunately though Bobby had an immaculate run last season and his call up is as a result of recognition for his input during that season which was one of consistency. He performances against The Proteas for Australia A justified his position having had an average start to the season, as it's been with the majority of the batsmen.

Only one batsman since the 2008 Allan Border Medal awards who won the State Cricketer of the Year award has represented Australia in Test cricket, and that is Usman Khawaja. It is a good call that the selectors have acknowledged this award the Bobby achieved last season.

With Shane Watson out of the side this is maybe the opening that was needed for a fresh guy to come in and try claim the number three role in an environment which will be as hostile as it can be. A true test.

My concern for many batsmen is that they don't have the temperament to maintain their game at the elite level and the averages and general team totals in the Sheffield Shield reflect this.
The unquestionable element is that the conditions have begun to favour bowlers along with "result tailored" wickets.

If anything it provides a more challenging environment for batsmen where they need to develop and enhance the true skill required to succeed in Test cricket. The conditions are not ideal but it has the chance to make our emerging batsmen tougher and batsmen like Alex Doolan, Joe Burns, Usman Khawaja, Phil Hughes and Callum Ferguson have shown glimpses of this season but still require consistency.

Bobby has the chance to take on a role that is still covered by the shadow of Ricky Ponting who is now finding himself as a middle order batsman in his final years of playing alongside Michael Hussey.

David Warner and Ed Cowan have come out backing themselves to play their "natural games" and "attack" but bottom line is they also need to find compatibility in their partnership which will benefit Bobby should he find himself in a positive position come the end of this series.

With a total of 724 runs at 42.58 in 2010/11 and 938 runs at 49.36 last season he should have no reason to doubt himself and as supporters we should not be doubting him either. He deserves his call up and averaging close to 50 is what we need from State batsmen. I don't think he can afford to have doubt as a player about to debut against South Africa. Not exactly a mini challenge!

In 90 First-Class innings he has only scored 7 centuries and 16 half centuries but his recent form and self discovery as a cricketer is what counts and I will be rooting for him loudly and proudly.

I am wishing Baggy Green #429 the very best with his opportunity.

Overall a lot is at stake this series which includes pride!
The series loss in 2008/09 hurt and we will not want to see the boys drop their guard and let the Proteas into the fort too easily. The lack of match preparations as a side would be my number one concern but if all aspects of our game come together and the synergy ignites then I have little doubt in our side. If anything I don't there is too much separating the sides on their day.

Bottom line is our batsmen need to step up and this will be tough against a bowling unit that gets open eyes upon their performances. Yet our bowling unit is capable of serious destruction as well and with runs on the board it will give them more to work with (too often getting us out jail) but they still have stiff competition against The Proteas, far more than that of India last summer.

With hours to go all I can say is bring it on and may the battle be bloody intense!

My prediction? What do you expect me to say? Victory to the Baggy Greens. Come on boys!

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Australia vs South Africa: The changes from 2008 to 2012

A massive Test series is just around the corner and it is seriously hard to believe that any cricket fanatic would not be waiting with eager anticipation for the clash between the Baggy Greens and the Proteas.

As the Baggy Greens continue to make progress to regain the number ranking in Test cricket, the Proteas will be prepping with care and tightening every part of their game to boost their points to hold onto the number 1 rank.

What is great this time around is that it is very difficult to predict which team will walk away victorious. There's obvious differences between the sides and their perceived strengths but the cricket will just be so intense if both sides play their best cricket. It is not easy to play guessing games and that is adding to both the hype and excitement.

Last time the sides met in Australia (2008/09) it was a historical series for the Proteas.

They were the first side to beat Australia in a home Test series in 16 years.
They also succeeded in the highest Test run chase the WACA and then secured the series at the MCG where JP Duminy and Dale Steyn managed to form a match defining partnership before Steyn superbly executed his skills to claim 10 wickets for the match.
The Sydney Test was a nail biter where Graeme Smith came out with a broken hand to face an inform Mitchell Johnson but couldn't see out the remaining time as Mitch knocked back his stumps.

The Baggy Greens went on to win a memorable series in South Africa shortly after and then returning to the country last year the sides battled it out to draw the two match series 1-1.

The Baggy Greens had the upper hand in the first Test and threw it away after a freak day of batting which saw a wicket fest and included an embarrassing 47 all out.
The Proteas had the advantage in the final Test at the Wanderers and were so close to clinching the series but Patrick Cummins and Mitchell Johnson kept their cool and got the boys over the finish line.

It's always been an epic battle with high intensity cricket with no shortage of talking points between these sides.

Looking back to the 2008 series, of the current Australian squad only four players were in that series.

Ricky Ponting is looking fresh and the maestro is unquestionably up for the battle having found form for the Tasmanian Tigers prior to the series commencing. We also can't forget his last summer! It will be a serious test of his experience out there and many will look at his challenge stacked up against Jacques Kallis'.

Michael Clarke was the top run scorer in 2008 with 383 runs at 76.60 and has taken over captaincy with critical acclaim after Ricky Ponting stepped down.

Michael Hussey was going through a terrible period in his cricket journey during he 2008/09 season and he ended the series with just 85 runs at an average of 17.00. He has also found a way to recapture his form.

Lastly, Peter Siddle was building his self-belief as a young man new to the Australian cricket team in a side that was falling a few steps backwards as a bowling unit. Pedro ended the series with a hard fought effort to take 13 wickets and has since gone from strength to super strength. His ambition is a vital ingredient and he's a seasoned campaigner now and takes on the Proteas as the most experienced bowler of the group with international experience.

Other than that it's a fresh side that has emerged since the Ponting era.
Matthew Hayden, Simon Katich, Andrew Symonds and Brett Lee have all retired.

Matthew Wade has been favoured over Brad Haddin which marks a serious step forward for Australian cricket as they focus on moving forward with a young keeper who needs as much experience as possible to develop his game and skills. Even Hads has given Matt the thumbs up with his selection and that should boost his self-belief and is also the sign of a true gentleman.

Mitchell Johnson was the leading wicket taker in 2008 and won the ICC Cricket of the Year award soon after. Sadly, as such a gifted sportsman, his journey has dissolved into a case where he has become the forgotten man of Australian cricket. This was also a stage where Australia's batting was still in good hands but the bowling had started to take a serious turn for the worse.

Brett Lee was having further injury problems and was still recovering from off field distractions in his personal life. Nathan Hauritz was given a go after Jason Krejza was dropped by the Hilditch panel and the spinner axe was just getting started as the changes were about to become seriously rapid after Shane Warne retired.

Now there's a rejuvenated Australian bowling attack that will have the South African batsman concentrating from ball one and will inevitably be unable to fight back nerves. Add a vocal crowd of Baggy Green fanatics and it makes for an intimidating environment, far more so than 2008.

Peter Siddle leads the attack with Ben Hilfenhaus, who rediscovered himself last summer (37 wickets in 7 Tests), and James Pattinson ready to back him with their different offerings. Then there's Mitchell Starc who provides the left arm seamer option and he's a man who may have played very little cricket in the white clothing in recent times but he's not shy of form.

We have a splendid fast bowling unit and I am proud of the development since 2008. It's a huge contrast to a bowling attack that was flat and lacking both tenacity and "imagination".

Nathan Lyon has played against South Africa so he will be no stranger.
How Michael Clarke uses him and tactically executes a game plan will be vital against the Proteas. It will be a fragile role to be played and while this is a Test series for the seam bowlers, Nathan's role should not be underestimated. I think he will have a significant role to play and time will tell under what circumstances this will prevail.

The batting has been the concern for the Baggy Greens if we were to point out the perceived weakness.

David Warner and Ed Cowan are still finding their way forward as an opening duo and while this is taking shape, the inconsistency that does creep into our lineup has been a worry where too few batsmen deliver the goods. With an opening duo striving for compatibility these collapses and inconsistencies prove to be too costly.

Too often the batsmen are not collectively putting runs on the board. This has left one or two batsmen with a daunting task in recovering the innings and this is something that exposed our bowlers where they did not have sufficient runs on the board to defend.

Fortunately, the bowling unit has since grown and become a force to be reckoned with and if Michael Clarke continued his sublime form in Test cricket with his colleagues following in pursuit it will be a mighty strong side to witness.

It will also be interesting to see where Shane Watson is slotted into the batting line-up.
His time at number three was certainly not ideal given his struggles for conversion of the many starts he has managed. He took on the position as no one else has really lifted up their hand to take on the position to make it their own but I do think Michael Clarke should be nestled in that position.

Watto's technique is suited to the new ball but having him in that middle order will not allow the Proteas to relax. I am interested to see what the plan is for him. In the 2008 series Andrew Symonds was the all-rounder of choice until injury set in and as a result Andrew McDonald debuted at the SCG. Both played drastically different roles and in terms of the overall packaged deal Watto is a more versatile option we are fortunate to have.

By comparison of the side it would seem that The Proteas have just as much, if not a bit more, to boast about.

The do have the best fast bowling trio, based on the last season or two, but will be tested in Australia, especially if the Baggy Greens are on top of their game in home conditions. Dale Steyn may have not been at his best for a while but he is a bloke with an insane skill set and appears to execute almost effortlessly. Vernon Philander has had one of the greatest emerging seasons I have ever seen for a bowler and Morne Morkel has found better rhythm as his games developed, although he is disastrous on his off days which we should cash in if this should occur.

The batting has just as much depth as the Baggy Greens and whereas only four players of the 2008 Australian squad are in this current side, the Proteas have seven and a few additions that make their side stronger than the '08 squad.

On paper it would be fair to say the Proteas have the edge but in terms of ability to adapt in the moment of play and collective input the Baggy Greens have a far more intimidating side. These two elements coming to the boil just leaves me with a wild imagination as to what awaits us. It really is exciting.

I strongly believe the boys can take this series. I see no reason why not if they play their best cricket. If some sides play their best cricket against the Proteas there is a chance they will still come undone if the Proteas do the same on their side.

However, the Baggy Greens are not in the category and while I am not bursting with confidence I do believe this is the exact challenge our guys need as the squad has been heading in the right direction.
If there's one thing to settle your gut feeling on it's that when these sides meet, the first session often seems to give an indication as to what's ahead.

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