Mitchell Johnson out with toe infection

Australia’s World Twenty20 hopes in disarray with Ashes destroyer ruled out.

SYDNEY: Feared pace-bowler Mitchell Johnson was ruled out of the World Twenty20 with a toe infection on Sunday, dealing a blow to Australia’s hopes in the tournament.

Johnson cut his right big toe after the third Test win over South Africa and after infection set in, medication was unable to bring it under control, said Cricket Australia.

He will be replaced by fellow quick Doug Bollinger in Australia’s squad for the tournament in Bangladesh whose opening rounds get underway on Sunday.

“We have given Mitchell as long as we can but unfortunately his infection hasn’t responded to the treatment as quickly as we had hoped as his toe and foot remains swollen,” said chief medical officer Justin Paoloni.

National selector John Inverarity said Australia would miss Johnson as they bid to win the World Twenty20 for the first time. “This is disappointing news as it was anticipated that Mitch would have a significant impact with his pace and menace,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 17^th, 2014.

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