Harris: Johnson will 'scare' Englishmen

Cricket365
November 11, 2013

Australia fast bowler Ryan Harris, a star during the Ashes in England, feels confident veteran paceman Mitchell Johnson will make a big impact against England in the upcoming series, saying he has regained his 'scary' pace.

Johnson did not play in the Ashes in England, but has made a huge effort to put his name back into contention by doing well with the limited-overs sides, especially against India in recent weeks. Harris feels England's batsmen will not enjoy facing his team-mate.

Harris said of his fellow paceman: "He's right to go. I've watched him bowl in India and it's been scary. He's bowled that fast. I saw comments the other day in the paper that he only rushed Yuvraj and Raina.

"But Dhawan is a very good player, and Sharma, and he had them jumping. He's bowling fast. I hope he's back. He's had a tough time.

"He's been out of the Test team for such a long time and I know, I've spoken to him, he wants to be back in the team. He's done everything he can… I'd be very surprised if he's not in the squad.

"He's bowling very fast, and if he's bowling that pace, I know I wouldn't want to be facing it and I know the Englishmen wouldn't want to be facing it."

As for his own place in the side, Harris says he will be happy anywhere in the pecking order, especially if Shane Watson is fit to plays as a fifth bowler, saying everyone who takes the ball in hand is expected to contribute.

The 34-year-old added: "I'm happy to go with four. That's my job, I've got to bowl. It's probably good for the team if you have the fifth option. Shane Watson bowling and batting in our team is priceless.

"You need him batting and bowling, but you also [especially] need him batting. So whatever he needs to do and whatever has to be done for him to play, whether that's not bowling, that's fine, we need him in there.

"Either way, four or five, we've got to do the job, no matter what happens."