Johnson joins Aussie squad

Mitchell Johnson in domestic action © Getty Images

Mitchell Johnson has been drafted into Australia’s one-day squad as back-up for the final match of the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy series against New Zealand in Christchurch.

The 24-year-old Queensland paceman has been called up as cover for Brett Lee, who has returned home to Australia to seek medical treatment for a nasal condition.

Trevor Hohns, chairman of the National Selection Panel, said: “Mitchell Johnson is a young player that we've had our eye on for a while.

“We felt this was an ideal opportunity, with one game to go in the series, to get him involved in the Australian one-day international team environment. It is certainly a selection with a view to the future.”

A delighted Johnson said: “Even though it's only for one match, I'm pretty excited to be given the chance to be involved in the Australian squad, and thrilled that the selectors even have me in their thoughts.”