Mitchell Johnson celebrates with Michael Clarke. Source: News Limited
AUSTRALIAN captain Michael Clarke has backed enigmatic paceman Mitchell Johnson to have a major impact in the forthcoming Ashes series.
''If he gets his opportunity I wouldn't be surprised to see Mitch get the man of the series,'' Clarke said.
Match figures of 0-170 in Brisbane and 9-82 in Perth during the last home Ashes series showcased Johnson's expensive worst and his destructive best. His 35 wickets in nine Ashes Test have cost 34.42 runs, a lavish economy rate that has made him a regular target for the Barmy Army's taunts.
But Clarke sees no reason why the left-hander can't consistently reproduce his best form on the game's biggest stage.
''I think Mitch has come back really well,'' said Clarke. ''If you look at Mitch's record in both one day cricket and Test cricket, it's exceptional. I think he is a big player for us.
''He's bowling 145-150ks consistently. He's swinging the ball. I think he is as dangerous as I've ever seen him, so if he gets an opportunity in this Test series I'm sure he will grab it with both hands.''
Johnson has come into contention for this series due to a large attrition rate among Australian fast bowlers with James Pattinson, Mitchell Starc, Jackson Bird and Pat Cummins all ruled out.
Johnson impressed with his pace in India. It remains only to be seen if he can find the consistency that has eluded him in previous Ashes series.
''At the end of the day if you are a bowler, batters are going to score runs from you,'' said Clarke. ''You are a batter and bowlers are going to get you out. If he bowls enough overs, he is going to go for runs.
''But Mitchell is now an experienced player. He's on top of the world at the moment, he's feeling great about his game and he's bowling really well. I know he loves playing front of his home fans in Australia.''
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