Cricket World Cup 2015: Mitchell Johnson excited to have Michael Clarke back as captain
MITCHELL Johnson didn’t want to disrespect George Bailey but the big quick made it clear he was excited to have Michael Clarke back in the fold.
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MITCHELL Johnson says Australia has been given an extra boost by Michael Clarke’s return as captain.
The left-arm spearhead says as good a leader as George Bailey is, Clarke’s presence in charge of the Australian team adds another dimension.
Clarke arrives in Brisbane on Tuesday ahead of preparations for Saturday’s second World Cup match against Bangladesh, the 33-year-old’s first official outing for Australia since he broke down on the final day of the Adelaide Test in early December.
Johnson said Clarke has made sure he hasn’t been a distraction to teammates with his recovery.
“I know he’s ready to go,” said Johnson of Clarke, who no longer has a fitness test to pass.
“He’s just doing what he needs to do. He’s not making it a distraction for us, he’s just getting his job done.
“When he comes back in we’ll be ready for him.
“It was great for him to be out there in the warm-up game against the UAE.
“I love the captaincy he brings, he’s got so much experience.
“George does as well but Michael Clarke has been the captain for a number of years now and I know he has the full support of the boys.”
Johnson says he’s enjoying the long break between matches, and is adamant there’s no need to rotate Australia’s firing fast bowling cartel.
“As players you want to keep a winning side,” he said.
“But it’s up to selectors.”
Bangladesh might be a smaller cricketing nation, but Johnson has promised Australia won’t be holding back on the minnows at the bouncy Gabba.
“With our bowling attack, we’ve got a huge advantage,” he said.
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