Agencies
Sydney, January 4
Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson has been ruled out of next week’s fourth Test against India due to a sore hamstring. Johnson was assessed by Australia’s medical team on Saturday after missing the first training session at the Sydney Cricket Ground ahead of the final match of a series in which Australia hold a winning 2-0 lead.
But with one-day matches against England and India to come, followed by the World Cup, Australia are determined to protect the 33-year-old to ensure he is available for the key matches that lie ahead.
Coach Darren Lehmann added: “Mitchell is an important part of our plans for the remainder of our summer and we want him 100 per cent right so won’t be taking any risks with him.
"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.”
Cricket Australia physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said: “Mitchell had some right hamstring soreness during the Boxing Day Test and we have been closely monitoring his recovery since that match but feel he has not fully recovered.
"As such, he will not play in the upcoming Sydney Test match. We expect him to recover in time to play a part in the upcoming Tri Series against England and India."
Shane Watson will be among four Australia internationals making an emotional return to the Sydney Cricket Ground pitch for the first time since Phillip Hughes died from injuries sustained in a match there in November.
Watson, who was fielding for New South Wales against Hughes' South Australia with national teammates Brad Haddin, Nathan Lyon and David Warner, will be in the line-up for Australia when the fourth Test begins on Tuesday.
Hughes died on November 27, two days after being struck on the head by a short-pitched delivery in the SCG match.
Watson said, "I wasn't really looking forward to coming back to the ground. I'm sure once I get out into the middle and playing, those visions will be coming back."
