Mitchell Johnson ready to spearhead Oz attack

Updated on: 02 January,2009 08:29 AM IST |
PA Sport |

In-form paceman Mitchell Johnson welcomed the challenge of spearheading one of the most inexperienced attacks in recent history

Mitchell Johnson

With four frontline players unavailable through injury, Johnson will partner Victorian rookie Peter Siddle, the uncapped Andrew McDonald, three-Test spinner Nathan Hauritz and either Doug Bollinger or Ben Hilfenhaus both yet to play a Test.

Despite having just 17 Test caps, Johnson is by far the most seasoned member of the attack but insists he will thrive on the extra responsibility once the match gets under way on Saturday.

"It's going to be a challenge for me and something I'm looking forward to," Johnson said.

"That's probably my job in the team - to try to help these young blokes through this next little period.

"That's something I've got to step up and do now.

"I still think we're a very strong side even though we've got a lot of young guys in the team.

"Dougie Bollinger, Andrew McDonald, Ben Hilfenhaus, they are going to come into the side with a lot of bubble."

The Proteas are 2-0 up after comprehensive victories in Perth and Melbourne and can replace Australia as the top Test side with a win at Sydney.

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