Aussies get Johnson boost for showdown with England

Published February 1, 2015
Australian captain Steven Smith bats during a training session at the WACA ground on Saturday. — Reuters
Australian captain Steven Smith bats during a training session at the WACA ground on Saturday. — Reuters

PERTH: Refreshed and ready to go, paceman Mitchell Johnson will spearhead Australia’s attack against England in the One-day International tri-series final here at the WACA ground on Sunday.

Australia and England will resume hostilities after the latter reached the final courtesy of a three-wicket win over India on Friday.

And the hosts will be boosted by the return of Johnson, who has been rested by coach Darren Lehmann.

Johnson was rested for all four tri-series matches following the Boxing Day Test against India.

But the refreshed 33-year-old is now set to make his comeback on home soil in Perth as Australia — unbeaten in the four ODIs — seek to gain an edge over England ahead of the upcoming World Cup, which the two nations will open at the MCG on Feb 14.

“I needed a fair bit of a rest,” said Johnson, who claimed 13 wickets in three Tests against India.

“The body now is fully recovered and ready to go. It’s a big match to come into, but I’m as prepared as I can be.”

Australia and England have already met twice in the tri-series, with the hosts emerging three-wicket victors in both matches.

Now having earned a rematch in Perth after their victory over India on Friday, James Taylor and his English team-mates are keen for revenge.

“[We are] delighted to get into that final on Sunday. It is going to be a special day. Any final is a great day and to play Australia on their home turf is going to be a great day,” said Taylor.

“Hopefully, we can string all three facets together, put in a top performance and come out with a win.”

Published in Dawn February 1st, 2015

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