Mitchell Johnson aims to reproduce his one-day form in tests. Photo / Reuters
Queensland quick Mitchell Johnson will make his test debut on home turf at the Gabba after Australia named its first test team to play Sri Lanka, starting today.
The selectors made Tasmanian paceman Ben Hilfenhaus 12th man, handing left-armer Johnson his first test start as the replacement for
Glenn McGrath, now retired.
Johnson, 26, has also a strong chance of taking the new ball, with fellow firebrand Brett Lee against the out-of-sorts Sri Lankan top-order.
Skipper Ricky Ponting indicated he had a tough choice between Johnson and the impressive Stuart Clark as Lee's new-ball partner.
A meeting yesterday between senior players and selectors and the early conditions today would decide who will get first crack at the tourists.
Overcast skies in Brisbane, with showers forecast for the next three days, should suit fast bowling - but Ponting said there was never any serious consideration given to using Hilfenhaus in a four-pronged pace attack. The bounce in the Gabba wicket will also assist leg-spinner Stuart MacGill in the manner which Shane Warne enjoyed so often.
Ponting expects Johnson to hit the ground running in the test arena after taking 40 wickets at an average of 24 runs in 25 one-day internationals.
"I've been really excited about Mitch for the last couple of years to tell you the truth," Ponting said yesterday.
"He'll be a bit nervous, there's no doubt about that, but he has everything required to be successful.
"He's a great athlete, he's very fit, he's very strong, he can bowl 150kph and swing the ball. He's got everything there, it's just a matter of him relaxing into the game tomorrow and letting his natural skills and abilities take over."
* Sachin Tendulkar has turned down the chance to become India's test captain. The batsman, 34, was skipper for two spells from 1996-2000 but stood down after only four wins in 25 Tests.
He was offered a chance to succeed Rahul Dravid, who quit in September, but declined and India's selectors are now likely to go for Mahendra Dhoni, 26, captain of the one-day team.
- AAP
