Australia’s preparation for the fourth Test against India has been thrown into disarray with Mitchell Johnson pulling out with a hamstring injury and Shane Watson sick with a stomach virus.
Spearhead Johnson didn’t train on Saturday and was scratched from the side early Sunday morning ahead of the final Test of the series starting at the SCG on Tuesday.
Watson, who has struggled for runs throughout the series, was forced to leave Australia’s training session on Sunday morning due to the virus.
The Test veteran completed fielding drills before padding up and heading to the nets but was unable to bat, leaving shortly after with team doctor Peter Brukner.
Fellow left-armer Mitchell Starc is a probable replacement for Johnson, while Watson’s fill-in, if he isn’t fit to play, is more problematic.
Ashton Agar is part of an extended Australian squad for the SCG Test and could slot in at No.7, with Brad Haddin moving up to No.6 and Joe Burns playing at No.3.
If coach Darren Lehmann opts to bring another batsman into the squad, Ed Cowan and Adam Voges are the leading run scorers in Sheffield Shield Cricket this season.
Moses Henriques could be another option.
Either way, Johnson won’t be there.
After back-to-back Tests and a heavy workload on flatter pitches so far this summer, Lehmann said Johnson wasn’t right for Sydney.
“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,” Lehmann said.
“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.”
Australian team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris added: “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.”
Australia take an unassailable 2-0 lead into the final Test of the best-of-four series.
Starc played in the second Test at the ‘Gabba taking 0-83 and 2-27, but was squeezed out of the side for Ryan Harris’ return in the third Test in Melbourne.
