Johnson rested; to prepare for Tests against India

Melbourne, Nov 17 (IANS) Australia Monday left out their premier pacer Mitchell Johnson from the remaining three One-Day Internationals (ODI) against South Africa to keep the left-armer fresh and well prepared for the Commonwealth Bank Test series against India beginning Dec 4 in Brisbane.

National selector Rod Marsh also said injured captain Michael Clarke has not been replaced in the squad by another batsman as selectors felt there was enough batting depth in the current line-up to provide sufficient cover for the remaining matches -- in Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney -- of the five-match series. 

New South Wales paceman Pat Cummins returns to the ODI squad for the first time since June 2012 following strong performances for his state and Australia at Twenty20 level.

His NSW team-mate Mitchell Starc has also been called into the squad following a minor groin strain.

All-rounder James Faulkner has also been included in the squad for the fourth and fifth matches of the series once he finishes playing for Tasmania in its Bupa Sheffield Shield match against Western Australia which finishes this Wednesday. 

Fellow all-rounder Mitchell Marsh will remain with the squad for the third match of the series in Canberra before returning to Perth to link up with Western Australia ahead of round four of the Shield.

“We have chosen not to replace Michael Clarke in the squad with another batsman. After considering the situation we believe we have enough batting depth for the next three matches of this series without calling in another player," Marsh said in a CA release. 

“We have decided to add two extra pace options to the squad with Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins. That also gives us the opportunity to ensure Mitchell Johnson is fresh and well prepared ahead of the first Test against India.

“Pat Cummins impressed in his return to Australian duty in the recent T20 Series and Mitch Starc has been in good form since his return from the UAE," he added.

Matthew Wade will remain with the squad in the wicket-keeping role due to Brad Haddin’s injury.

The South Africans are ranked second on the ICC’s ODI rankings table with Australia sitting one place below them in third position. If Australia win the series they will move to second place in the ICC’s ODI standings.

The series is currently tied 1-1 after two games.