Mitchell Johnson's Ashes Woes: Calls for Dropped and Accusations of Coaching Culpability

Strategic Insights -

Calls for Mitchell Johnson's dropping are mounting, with some cricketing legends labeling him "one-dimensional" and placing blame on the Australian team's coaching setup for ruining his action. John Johnson's first coach, Brett Mortimer, believes Johnson needs a month away from the game to work on his skills, stating that he "looks so burned out" and is "just getting so much advice" that it's affecting his performance. Additionally, the Australian team's bowling coaches, Troy Cooley and Craig McDermott, are being criticized for their handling of Johnson's action, with some questioning whether they have made him overthink his bowling.

Key Takeaways:

  • Calls for Mitchell Johnson's dropping are mounting, with some cricketing legends labeling him "one-dimensional" and placing blame on the Australian team's coaching setup for ruining his action.
  • Johnson's average in six Tests against England is 41.05, and he now faces the possibility of being dropped for the first time in his career.
  • Brett Mortimer, Johnson's first coach, believes Johnson needs a month away from the game to work on his skills and that he is "just getting so much advice" that it's affecting his performance.
  • The Australian team's bowling coaches, Troy Cooley and Craig McDermott, are being criticized for their handling of Johnson's action, with some questioning whether they have made him overthink his bowling.
  • Doug Bollinger and Ryan Harris are being considered as replacements for Johnson, with Bollinger averaging 23 in his 11 Tests and Harris taking six wickets on debut against New Zealand.
  • The Australian team is set to play a crucial two-day match in the nets at the Adelaide Oval to try and get Johnson's skills back up to scratch.

Statistics:

  • Johnson's average in six Tests against England is 41.05.
  • Bollinger has averaged 23 in his 11 Tests.
  • Harris took six wickets on debut against New Zealand, five of which were outside edges.
  • The Australian team has five fast bowlers to choose from, with three expected to be picked for the Test match.
  • Johnson has taken 160 Test match wickets.

Sources:

  • Nick Hoult in Adelaide Australia, via The Telegraph (no date or publication date mentioned).
  • Brett Mortimer via an interview with Nick Hoult.
  • Report of the Australian team's bowling coaches and selection process via an unnamed source.
  • Statistics for Doug Bollinger and Ryan Harris via an unnamed source.
  • Australian team and players statistics and information via an unnamed source.