CRICKET Australia has confirmed one of the worst-kept secrets of the summer, with Ashes hero Mitchell Johnson to be rested from the opening one-day international against England on Sunday.
Johnson will link up with the Australian squad next week ahead of the second ODI in Brisbane on Friday, after fitting in some much-needed R&R following his man of the series performance in the Tests against England this summer.
As reported by News Corp Australia’s Ben Dorries earlier this week, broadcaster Channel Nine has given its endorsement of the move despite previous misgivings over leaving out star players.
Nine and CA engaged in a war of words last summer when captain Michael Clarke, David Warner and Matthew Wade were omitted from the first two one-day matches against Sri Lanka.
But this year the broadcaster has given the move the thumbs up, evidently pleased enough for Australia’s Test stars to put their feet up after helping the hosts to a historic Ashes whitewash.
And according to chairman of selectors John Inverarity, Johnson won’t be the only player to earn a breather over the next few weeks.
“Mitch has had a brilliant summer with the Test side and while he is a crucial member of the ODI squad it is important that he has a bit of a break now,” Inverarity said.
“The NSP (National Selection Panel) will be looking to provide a break, also, for most of the players in the ODI Squad who played in the Tests against England.”
Meanwhile, the Test players who weren’t selected in Australia’s ODI squad will be released to their Big Bash League teams at various times over the next two weeks.
Sydney Sixers players Steve Smith and Nathan Lyon return to the BBL setup on Friday, while Ryan Harris will be available to Brisbane Heat from January 18 and Peter Siddle will link up with melbourne Renegades from January 22.
