3 January 2015:Â Australia fast bowler Mitchell Johnson will miss the final Test against India, which starts in Sydney on Tuesday, because of a hamstring injury.
But the left-armer is expected to be fit in time for the subsequent one-day tri-series against England and India.
The 33-year-old has taken 13 wickets in the series, which Australia lead 2-0.
“Mitchell is an important part of our plans and we want him 100% right so won’t be taking any risks,” said Australia coach Darren Lehmann.
“We believe it is best for Mitchell to take this opportunity to freshen up and get his body fully fit ahead of the tri series.”
Either fellow left-arm paceman Mitchell Starc or right-armer Peter Siddle are expected to replace Johnson, who bowled long spells in the first three Tests, for the last game in the four-match series.
All-rounder Shane Watson admits the match at the Sydney Cricket Ground will be particularly emotional for the Australia players.
It will be the first Test at the SCG since batsman Phillip Hughes died at the age of 25 from injuries after being hit on the neck by a short-pitched delivery in a domestic Sheffield Shield match there on 27 November.
Watson was fielding for New South Wales against Hughes’ South Australia along with national team-mates Brad Haddin, Nathan Lyon and David Warner, who will also be in the Australia team.
“I wasn’t really looking forward to coming back to the ground,” said Watson. “I’m sure once I get out into the middle and playing, those visions will be coming back.”
The Aussies regained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after India hung on for a tense draw in the third Test in Melbourne. Australia won the first two Tests in Adelaide and Brisbane.
Source : BBC Sport
