***The Official Cricket Lovers Thread***

Spearhead quick Mitchell Johnson will target Andrew Strauss and says removing the skipper early could make England crumble.

Strauss has never truly shown his potential in Australia, averaging just 24.7, compared to his career mark of 43.11.

But the left-handed opener is undeniably world-class and there is plenty of expectation that this will be his break-out Ashes series.

Johnson, however, backed himself and his band of bowlers, claiming it'd be a traditional Australian approach of all-out aggression on day one at the Gabba on Thursday.

The really look up to their captain and it's that summer when we needed to target their captain, he said.

If we can get him to crumble, then hopefully their players start thinking negatively. So he's someone we'll definitely be going after, Johnson said.

Glen McGrath loved to pick a target for a Test series, but Johnson went even better, not only naming the target, but also sharing the plan.

Strauss was out to short balls twice at the Gabba last time England were in town, caught at fine leg in both innings and Johnson says he's still susceptible and will cop plenty of chin music.

"I had a bit of a look at some footage of him under the short ball. He can play one that's about chest height, but if you get one right on the money, he really does struggle with it. You've got to get your bouncer high to him."

If (a verbal attack) works, it's something that we'll keep discussing... I'm sure Ricky (Ponting) would probably want us to get into his mind a bit.

Much of the hype leading into the Ashes has been about the downslide of the Australians and the rise of the English, but Peter Siddle was another in the pace contingent far from sold on the supposedly powerhouse Poms.

I don't think they've improved at all," he said.

"Obviously they've got (Steven) Finn who's come in, but that's about the only thing that's changed."

"It's the same team we played over there and they're in our conditions now and it's definitely going to be a lot tougher for them."
"We had the three top leading wicket-takers in the last series and it's another challenge to perform well and show the world this attack ... is the best in the world."

theserialthrilla wrote:

johnson in form :?