\u201cAs for the decision to bring back Steve Smith as Test captain in Sri Lanka after his one-year suspension and two-year leadership ban over the ball-tampering saga, I can understand the scepticism. While many fans admire his leadership, I\u2019m among those who have reservations about him being resurrected at 35.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cOpting for a fill-in captain nearing the end of his career seems like a missed opportunity to entrust the role to someone like Travis Head, who could bring fresh energy and perspective. It feels like a backward step, and while my opinion does not change the outcome, it\u2019s frustrating to see choices that don\u2019t seem aligned with long-term team development,\u201d wrote Johnson in his column for \u2018The Nightly\u2019 on Thursday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He also felt pacer Sean Abbott\u2019s selection for the Tests against Sri Lanka left him baffled. \u201cSean Abbott\u2019s inclusion in the Test squad was surprising, considering his limited first-class exposure this season and the strength of his one-day and Twenty20 performances,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt\u2019s puzzling how he would fit into the Test XI. Perhaps selectors believe his style could thrive in the unique conditions in Sri Lanka, which often favour bowlers who can adapt to slower pitches. The overall team balance appears sound, though.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWith the pace attack comprising Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland, complemented by Beau Webster, we should see a solid performance. Conditions will possibly suit a dual-spin attack and let-armer Matt Kuhnemann could be very useful over there,\u201d wrote Johnson in his column.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Johnson signed off by saying Abbott could have been better off being included in Australia\u2019s squad for the Champions Trophy in place of all-rounder Marcus Stoinis. \u201cThe selection of Marcus Stoinis for next month\u2019s Champions Trophy has baffled many, me included.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cStoinis\u2019 one-day international form has been a concern for some time, he hasn\u2019t made an ODI half-century since 2019 and he isn\u2019t even contracted to his State team Western Australia.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Johnson signed off by saying Abbott could have been better off being included in Australia\u2019s squad for the Champions Trophy in place of all-rounder Marcus Stoinis. \u201cThe selection of Marcus Stoinis for next month\u2019s Champions Trophy has baffled many, me included.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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