Chappell-Hadlee Series, 2005-06

Johnson drafted into one-day squad

Cricinfo staff

December 8, 2005

Mitchell Johnson became a first-choice player for Queensland this summer © Getty Images

Mitchell Johnson's dramatic season has continued with the Queensland left-arm fast bowler called into the Australia one-day squad as back-up for the final match of the Chappell-Hadlee Series. Australia secured the trophy with a two-run win last night, but Johnson was picked as cover for Brett Lee, who returned home for treatment on a nasal condition.

Johnson, a 24-year-old who has played only 12 first-class games, was due to fly to New Zealand this afternoon and Trevor Hohns, the chairman of selectors, said it would be a good opportunity for him to get a taste of the team's environment. "Mitchell is a young player that we've had our eye on for a while," he said. "We felt this was an ideal opportunity, with one game to go in the series, to get him involved. It is certainly a selection with a view to the future."

Dennis Lillee spotted Johnson at a North Queensland training camp when he was 17 and quickly labelled him a "once in a generation bowler". However, Johnson's rise into the state ranks was troubled by three seasons of injuries, mostly to his back, and he only became a first-choice player for Queensland this year. Johnson will join an inexperienced fast bowling squad of Bracken, Clark and Lewis in New Zealand for the final match at Christchurch on Saturday.

"Even though it's only for one match, I'm pretty excited to be given the chance," Johnson said. "I'm thrilled that the selectors even have me in their thoughts."

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Vettori captains despite Fleming return

Lee returns home

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