Ricky Ponting is expecting to see a fired-up Mitchell Johnson deliver on his home ground in the third Ashes Test.

The presence of four fast bowlers and specialist spinner Michael Beer in the Australian squad mean that one of the pace quartet of Johnson, Peter Siddle, Ben Hilfenhaus or Ryan Harris are likely to miss out on selection for the match against England in Perth.

Having been dropped for the second Ashes Test in Brisbane, Johnson looks set to make his return to the Australian attack with his captain expecting the left-armer to rediscover his form at a ground at which he took 8 for 61 against South Africa two years ago.

"He's taken an eight-for here so he has to come back into the reckoning considering it's a game we have to win," Ponting told The Australian.

Johnson went wicketless for the first time in his 39-match Test career in the drawn first Ashes encounter in Brisbane, a performance which saw him dropped for the second Test in Brisbane, won by England by an innings and 71 runs.

The 29-year old's technique is believed to be the cause of his lack of form and Johnson has spent the last two weeks with bowling coach Troy Cooley trying to straighten his low slinging left-arm. Ponting is happy with the progress that Johnson has made and expects him to be firing at the WACA.

"Mitch's rehab work over the last week and a half, from all reports has come along really quickly," said Ponting.

"I've always used him as a strike bowler but unfortunately he wasn't able to deliver in Brisbane. He's had a chance to get away and sort things out and he has worked exceptionally hard in Adelaide. Hopefully we'll see some good stuff from him in Perth this week."

He added: "I might try and stay out of his net on Monday because I'm sure the ball will be really flying through at good pace."

Another man who has impressed Ponting in the build up to the third Test is Peter Siddle. The 26-year old took six wickets in the first innings in Brisbane but has failed to take a wicket in two innings since, including figures of 0 for 121 in Adelaide.

"Sids had none-for in Adelaide but I think he bowled a lot better than that," commented Ponting.

"I thought he got better as the game went on and never got any results to show for it.

"I'm very comfortable with the way he's going and I was very impressed with (Ryan) Harris.

"To come back into the side and bowl that way was really exciting. He's someone who will bowl well at the WACA."