Oz pacer Johnson ruled out of ODI series in England

Published>Thu, Jun 10 10 07:15 PM

Sydney, June 10 (ANI): Australian left arm fast bowler Mitchell Johnson has been ruled out of the limited overs segment of the forthcoming tour of England because of an infected right elbow. He has been replaced young New South Wales quick Josh Hazlewood, 19.

Australian team physio Alex Kountouris said Johnson required "specialist medical management" and will need to stay home in order to be fit for the series against Pakistan that follows five one day internationals against England.

"Mitchell had an infected right elbow during the ICC Twenty20 World Cup," the Sydney Morning Herald quoted Kountouris, as saying.

"Since returning to Australia he has had a flare-up of the condition and is currently being treated for it. As part of the treatment he requires specialist medical management over the coming weeks and as such he's been ruled out of the six ODIs against Ireland and England," Kountouris added.

The unexpected loss of one of the team's key figures caused a rush of activity at Cricket Australia headquarters in Melbourne on Thursday, amid last minute preparations for the trip to England.

Chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said Johnson's loss was Hazlewood's gain, as a hugely promising young quick with the height and accuracy suitable to gain life from English pitches.

"It is indeed a very exciting time for Australian cricket as we continue to take opportunities to expose our talented cricketers to international cricket. Josh Hazlewood has been identified as one of a crop of young fast bowlers who the NSP consider can impact for Australia at international level," he added.

"The NSP consider he will be well suited to English conditions and this provides a great opportunity for him to be part of the Australian set up on a tour of Ireland and England."We are sure if he gets an opportunity he will perform very well," Hilditch said. (ANI)

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