Australian speedster Mitchell Johnson feels that Team India is a pacer short in Bouncy pitches of Australia.
A few Indian Retired players also mentioned that Mahammad Shami should be in the squad in place of Harshal Patel.
“If you got an all-rounder (fast bowling) and a couple of spinners, four fast bowlers it is a bit of a risk. But India are probably looking at playing two pacers and an all rounder (Hardik Pandya) and two spinners,” Johnson, who is in India to take part in Legends League Cricket, told PTI.
“In Australia you surely need to play three fast bowlers, possibly four in certain conditions, for example Perth. I guess they have a plan going in but it is a bit of a risk if you only take four (pacers),” the former left-arm tearaway quick bowler.
“Those kinds of things are funny (That all should bowl at 145 plus). If someone can bowl 145 plus, you don’t need another guy bowling at the same pace. You need guys that back each other up, work together.”
“During the 2013-14 Ashes, there was a lot of talk about me bowling fast and that was great but at the other end I had Peter Siddle and Ryan Harris who had their own strengths and could also hit 140s. So it is all about the balance in the team.
“The main thing in Australia is the extra bounce and pace and adjusting your length, you can get carried away and bowl a bit too short.”
‘Warner or Smith should not be made Australia captain’
An extensive debate regarding his replacement has sparked by Aaron Finch’s decision to withdraw from ODIs.
“Pat Cummins (Test skipper) may not be able to do all formats. It might be too much workload for him, but then I look and check who is available.
“The selectors have someone in mind, maybe Glenn Maxwell. Cameron Green will also be a good choice if you are looking at the future. But there is already a heavy workload for him as an all-rounder. Travis Head is there but he needs to be more consistent.
“Both Warner and Smith should not be captains. No issue with them being advisors of the team which they already are. I don’t see why this needs to brought up all over again, it brings back the old stuff (the scandal)….
“They are also towards the end of their careers. So it should be someone who has got more time in the game.”
“When I first heard about all this, emotions rose, you think about loyalty to your country. And things like that but the game has changed, players are changing,” he said referring to Trent Boult’s decision to let go of his central contract with New Zealand.
“There are many leagues around, players have to be smart about what they play in. There is going to be burn-out in T20 leagues as well. I rather be more traditional, players wanting to play for their country. But I understand the need to earn a living as well. It is a concern going forward,” said the left-arm pacer.
