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ESPNcricinfo staff
November 30, 2011
Mitchell Johnson's season is almost certainly over as he faces the likely prospect of an operation on his left foot. Johnson could be out for up to five months, which would also rule him out of Australia's next overseas tour to the West Indies next March and April, and the long lay-off will make it hard for him to force his way back into the Test side in the foreseeable future.
At 30, Johnson was already under pressure to hold his place after a disappointing tour of South Africa, where he took 3 for 255 during the two Tests, and in the past 18 months he has taken 35 Test wickets at 45.71. Younger fast men like James Pattinson and Mitchell Starc are now set for a summer of opportunities, along with the teenager Pat Cummins.
Johnson flew to Melbourne on Wednesday to have the injury assessed by a surgical team and Cricket Australia's doctor, Trefor James, and if they determine that surgery is required he will have the operation within a day. Johnson has had a series of investigations and specialist consultations over the past week, after he returned from the tour of South Africa with the problem.
Before he left Perth, Johnson said he was not going to let the injury end his career.
"I'm definitely going to be back," Johnson said. "I've heard a few reports that my career's over due to form - not because of this injury ... I just laugh at it. I'm only 30 years old and I've got plenty of cricket left in me. I'm going to take a lot of positives out of this [injury layoff]."
In a statement, Cricket Australia confirmed that the initial specialist advice was that Johnson would require surgery to repair damaged soft-tissue structures around his left big toe.
"Mitchell will travel to Melbourne ... to be reviewed by specialist doctors and will most likely need surgery, which is expected to keep him out of cricket for four to five months," the team physio Alex Kountouris said. "The program for his recovery will be assessed following any surgery."
Australia's captain Michael Clarke said in Brisbane that Johnson may be able to make the time off work for him, allowing him to clear his head and work out how to be a more consistent cricketer in the future.
"It's obviously disappointing to lose Mitchell for such a long period of time, because I've always said he is a wonderful talent and someone I love having around the group in all three forms of the game," Clarke said. "I think it could have a good impact to be honest. It will give him more time away from the game to clear his head and get himself fit and strong.
"Injuries I've seen in the past with a few of our players, that time off has helped them come back bigger and better. I don't see it as that big a deal with Mitch. It's disappointing on behalf of the team that he's not going to be around and available for selection, but in regards to his own individual career I see no reason why he can't get back to his best if not better after the operation."
It was during the Australia's series-levelling victory at the Wanderers that Johnson's foot problem became apparent, when he stumbled while taking off for a run during Australia's chase. Johnson was hobbling for the rest of the innings but stayed at the crease until the target was reached.
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