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Mitchell has to be dropped…says the chosen one

As the second Ashes Test in Adelaide approaches this Friday, Mitchell Johnson finds himself facing significant criticism following an unsatisfactory performance in the drawn first Test at the Gabba.

In response to the draw at the Gabba, Australia’s selectors have called upon fast bowlers Doug Bollinger and Ryan Harris for the Adelaide Test, a move that could signal trouble for Johnson.

Cricket commentator Mark Waugh, among others, has expressed concern regarding the efforts of Australia’s bowling team during the Brisbane match and supports the inclusion of the new bowlers in the squad.

“When it comes to fast bowling, you certainly have to consider Bollinger, and Harris if he’s fit – both are excellent bowlers,” Waugh stated during The Last Word after the draw in Brisbane.

In his performance at the Gabba, Johnson failed to take a wicket for the first time in his 39 Tests, showcasing a stark contrast to his previously aggressive bowling style.

“The issue with Mitchell Johnson is his one-dimensional approach, and I believe the opposition has figured him out,” Waugh remarked.

“I think he’s struggling with confidence.”

Herald Sun reporter Jon Anderson views Johnson as an invaluable asset to Australia’s bowling lineup when in peak form. However, he remains skeptical about Johnson’s role in the Ashes squad.

“At his best, Johnson is the top bowler in the Ashes series,” Anderson commented on The Last Word.

“Yet, he is far from that level right now.

“I doubt he can rise to the occasion as a bowler … he simply isn’t moving the ball effectively enough.”

Furthermore, Australia selector and former captain Greg Chappell voiced similar concerns, attributing Johnson’s decline to a crisis of confidence.

“It was evident to see his confidence dwindling to the extent of delivering wide and poor balls; he appeared to be bowling without any self-assurance,” Chappell assessed Johnson’s performance at the Gabba.

“Therefore, I’m uncertain about taking him into Adelaide when he’s lacking confidence; that’s a change that must be considered.”

However, Waugh was uncertain regarding potential changes to Australia’s lineup for Adelaide, even after the disappointing result in Brisbane.

“I doubt they’ll implement many changes considering it ended in a draw – we did not lose,” Waugh said on The Last Word.

“There’s a bit of uncertainty around him, but I suspect the selectors will stick with the same team since the first Test concluded in a draw.

“He needs to perform exceptionally well; otherwise, he risks losing his place for the third Test.”

Buford Balony says: He should be let go; he was terrible against England and has continued to be ever since his girlfriend and mother were clashing over him. He has demonstrated mental weakness since then and is unlikely to recover. Doug Bollinger wouldn’t let something as trivial as that turn him into a crybaby.

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