Australia v India 2015: Mitchell Johnson’s injury absence provides test of character for Aussies

IF there wasn’t a World Cup on the horizon, Mitchell Johnson’s minor hamstring strain may not have kept him out of the Sydney Test.

Peter Siddle & Mitchell Johnson

IF there wasn’t a World Cup on the horizon, Mitchell Johnson’s minor hamstring strain may not have kept him out of the Sydney Test.

But even though his absence from the final match of the series is no cause for alarm, it shapes as a test case for whether Australia can cope without their No. 1 strike weapon in case of a World Cup or Ashes emergency.

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Since Johnson decimated England in the first Test at the Gabba last summer, he has gone from strength to strength as Australia’s most indispensable cricketer, having not missed a single Test until now.

Batting performances wavered even throughout an Ashes whitewash and a series win in South Africa, but the one constant was a ruthless, ultra-consistent, left-arm menace charging in, taking wickets and putting oppositions on the back foot.

This series against India hasn’t been Johnson’s best — 13 wickets at 35 — but a condensed schedule; batter-friendly wickets and a couple of niggling injuries might explain that.

Johnson is still unquestionably the key force behind Australia’s World Cup and Ashes bids this year.

The rest of the Australian team can stand tall and puff their chests out when they’ve got Johnson in their midst bowling 150km/h.

But without him in the line-up, it’s a different story.

At 33 years of age and with the amount that’s now asked of him, Johnson isn’t bullet proof.

And the Sydney showdown against India is a crucial test of character for the Australian side.

Already without captain Michael Clarke, losing Johnson takes away another pillar.

Brad Haddin, Ryan Harris and Chris Rogers are also entering the twilight of their careers and another generational change is looming for the Australian team.

They’d be hoping Johnson will be around for a couple more years yet to help bring through an exciting crop of youngsters, but there’s never any guarantees.

This is a big opportunity for Mitchell Starc to show he’s got what it takes to one day replace Johnson as the feared spearhead.

And for the top order to put a score on the board knowing they don’t have the world’s best fast bowler in the shed to save their bacon with late-order runs or a swag of wickets.

Watching from the MCG commentary box last week, Clarke actually picked up that Johnson had hurt his hamstring — but then again if anyone can spot a hammy strain, it’s the skipper.

Johnson resumed bowling in Melbourne in a clear indication the problem isn’t serious.

In all likelihood he would have backed-up in Sydney if the series was on the line and he should take part in the upcoming ODI tri-series.

Nonetheless, it will be strange watching a Test match without Mitchell Johnson.

There’s no reason to panic, but here’s a chance for Australia to prepare for a worst-case scenario.

Originally published as Australia v India 2015: Mitchell Johnson’s injury absence provides test of character for Aussies