Mitchell Johnson likely to miss World T20 after suffering infected toe

Mitchell Johnson

Australia’s premium fast bowler Mitchell Johnson may sit out for the World Twenty20 as he has been suffering from an infected toe. He hurt his toe during Australia’s win over South Africa in Newlands and was not part of the T20 squad against South Africa. He returned home in order to be prepared for the forthcoming World Twenty20 in Bangladesh which begins on March 16.

Johnson has been the lead pacer for Australia after he stunned England at home and also created problems to South Africa in their own backyard. He regained his original touch, but his performance in sub-continent will be a real test. Since the wickets in Bangladesh may assist spinners, Johnson’s pace could be ineffective. He also struggled on a slow wicket at Port Elizabeth where he managed only three wickets in both the innings.

The major problem with Johnson is he had a cut to his toe in the third Test which led to an infection. He’s undergoing treatment with Cricket Australia’s chief medical officer Justin Paolini and may arrive for the tournament lately.

“Mitch has been home in Perth recovering from the Test series against South Africa but has developed an infection as a result of a cut he had on his right big toe after the third Test,” Justin Paolini, Cricket Australia’s chief medical officer said.

“He is receiving treatment but his departure to Bangladesh for the World T20 may be delayed until we are happy that the infection has resolved and his toe fully recovered.”

Australia would be in a spot of bother following Johnson’s injury concerns. In the current squad, only Mitchell Johnson and Mitchell Starc have the ability to make use off the new-ball. George Bailey, however, can opt for Shane Watson to open the bowling along with Starc.

Why Australia may prefer Watson to open the bowling is because of James Faulkner’s knee injury. He has not recovered from a knee injury that he sustained in the one-day series against England in January. Faulkner, however, is with the T20 squad in South Africa but may not take part in any match until the World T20 tournament.

Australia are now left with limited resources for the initial part of the tournament. They, however, have two frontline spinners who can exploit the slow tracks in Bangladesh. But it will be interesting to see how the captain George Bailey operates his pacers.

Australia begin their campaign against Pakistan on March 23 at Dhaka.