Perth, Australia: The prospects of an Ashes test recall for Mitchell Johnson increased Monday when the veteran paceman was rested from a domestic Sheffield Shield match for his state team.
The 32-year-old left-armer hasn't played a test match since March, but has been in impressive form in the limited-overs arena for Australia and could form an experienced pace attack with Ryan Harris and Peter Siddle for the series opener against England in Brisbane starting Nov. 21. Johnson has taken 205 wickets in 51 tests.
Harris and Siddle have also been rested from their provincial teams this week.
Australia's bowling stocks have been ravaged by injuries to young pacemen Mitchell Starc, James Pattinson and Pat Cummins, and doubts over allrounder Shane Watson's ability to bowl in the first test because of a hamstring strain.
