London, July 23 (Inditop.com) Mike Hussey will lead Australia against Northamptonshire after the tourists decided to rest captain Ricky Ponting and deputy Michael Clarke from the three-day warm-up that begins Friday.
Australia are looking to bounce back after their 115-run defeat in the second Test at Lord’s to trail 0-1 in the Ashes series.
Several of the touring party, most notably pace bowling spearhead Mitchell Johnson and opening batsman Phil Hughes, are hoping to rediscover their touch at Wantage Road.
However, Brett Lee, who is not ready to return following a side strain, has not been named in the 12-man squad.
Lee suffered the injury in the final warm-up match before the series opener and now appears almost certain to miss the third Test at Edgbaston.
Hussey’s challenge is to motivate his left-arm pacer Mitchell Johnson back into form, who had a torrid time in the opening two Tests.
“He seems comfortable and was focused at training,” Hussey was quoted as saying in the Skysports.
“Mitchell and (bowling coach) Troy Cooley are very clear on what they need to work on. Hopefully he (Mitchell) can come into the game in a good frame of mind and clear on what he wants to work on and can get his confidence right up for the next Test. I’ll communicate with him and see how he’s feeling, and also take into account the situation of the game,” he said.
rounak