“They can’t be taken for granted” - Mitchell Johnson launches scathing attack on ‘big four’ Starc, Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon

The former Australian pacer and cricket analyst Mitchell Johnson has come out all guns blazing, lashing out at the big four of the Australian Test team, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon, after the team lost the WTC Final to South Africa at Lord’s in London.

Writing a column for The West Australian, Johnson urged the Australian selectors not to see the big four as a lock and instead keep an eye on the fringe players, who are eagerly waiting on the bench for their chances.

"Our successful 'big four' bowling attack of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon can't be taken for granted as a lock going forward either," wrote Johnson.

"We've seen concerns about Hazlewood's fitness in recent years, and his decision to prioritise returning to the delayed Indian Premier League over his national team preparations raised eyebrows. Lyon didn't look his best on day three either," he added.

"If veteran players are sticking around just for the Ashes as a send-off, it does beg the question of whether that's the right mindset. It's crucial that we embrace the future and build confidence in selecting our next Test players. Players on the fringe such as Sam Konstas, Josh Inglis and Scott Boland, despite being 36, have a different mentality. They're eager to prove themselves every time they get a chance," he stated.

Furthermore, Johnson also questioned the team management and selection committee for their decision to open with Marnus Labuschagne and pick Cameron Green as No. 3 batter, which didn’t go down well for the Australian side.

While Labuschagne scored a few runs, Green failed to create an impact, scoring only four runs in both innings combined. With the Ashes lined up, Johnson urged the selectors to single down on their opening pair and No.3.

"It's obvious Green didn't perform well - out for 4 and 0 and facing just five balls for the match. And the way he got out to Kagiso Rabada in both innings highlights that he might not be suited for that position. But the real issue stems from Marnus Labuschagne's poor form, similar to what we saw with Steve Smith moving up to open when he was struggling a bit. I'm just not a fan of these batting reshuffles to cover for lack of form. With the West Indies tour and then the Ashes coming up this summer, Australia will need to settle on not only two openers but also find a reliable No.3," Johnson concluded.

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