Johnson dreaming of an SCG greentop

What Mitchell Johnson would give for a fast, bouncy SCG wicket.

Australia’s pace spearhead admits he’s disappointed at relatively benign wickets served up for the first three Tests against India in Adelaide, Brisbane and Melbourne.

Australia take an unassailable 2-0 series lead into the fourth Test in Sydney from Tuesday and Johnson is hoping for an SCG wicket that has more in it for the quicks.

The express speedster has not been the force he was during the Ashes last summer when he blew shell-shocked England away to claim 37 wickets in the five-Test series at 13.97.

In the three Tests against India this summer, the 33-year-old has 13 wickets at 35.53 to be second-highest wicket taker behind spinner Nathan Lyon.

“I am hoping there will be a bit of grass on the wicket, something that is fast and bouncy, we haven’t seen that this series which is a bit of a shame,” Johnson said.

“There was a lot of talk when they beat us 4-0 (in India) that they were looking forward to coming over to our fast bouncy wickets.

“But it has been a little bit disappointing that they haven’t been as good as a fast bowler would like.

“I even thought the ‘Gabba wasn’t the normal ‘Gabba. There was a bit of bounce there but it just wasn’t the same.

“Wickets have been suited for the batters more than anything.”

So flat and true was the MCG wicket on the fifth day of the drawn third Test that Australian captain Steve Smith decided against using the final four overs available to seek the four wickets needed for victory.

Johnson said the wicket more closely resembled something you would see on the third day.

Extra spinner Ashton Agar has been drafted into the Australian squad for Sydney in an indication the pitch might not be to Johnson’s liking.

“Ashton Agar is in the squad so I guess they are thinking that there may be a bit of turn on this SCG wicket,” Johnson said.

“We will just have to see what the wicket is like and the selectors will make that decision.”

Stay up to date with the latest sports news
Follow our social accounts to get exclusive content and all the latest sporting news!