Mitchell Johnson: Pressure on younger players but Australia knows how to stand up in big tournaments

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Mitchell Johnson: Pressure on younger players but Australia knows how to stand up in big tournaments

I was lucky enough to have played in three ICC Champions Trophy tournaments in my career.

It is one of the most important series in the cricket calendar. In one-day cricket, it’s number two behind the World Cup.

When I think back to the time we won the Champions Trophy in South Africa, we were given a white jacket with embroidery on the front as a prize. We didn’t even get anything like that for winning the World Cup!

The tournament was also a good way to see how our next World Cup plans were tracking as a one-day unit. We had a good sense of the squad, but that wasn’t to say it wouldn’t change as performance was key as a player and injuries and retirements played a part in squads, too.

Australia’s 15-player squad, captained by Steve Smith, has had some notable changes lately. With Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Marsh unavailable, plus Marcus Stoinis’ unexpected retirement, the team will feel the impact of these core player absences.

Mitchell Starc’s decision to step back adds more pressure on the next generation of players as they step into a major ODI tournament.

Despite these challenges, the squad still has a solid foundation. Players like Ben Dwarshuis, Matthew Short, and Sean Abbott bring valuable first-class experience and most members of the squad have been involved with the Aussie setup at some point in recent years.

Camera IconSean Abbott will have to step up in the absence of big names. Credit: AAP

The crucial question will be whether they can gel under pressure. Experienced players like Maxwell, Smith, and Head will need to guide the team and alleviate some of the burdens on the newcomers once the tournament begins.

I genuinely believe this Aussie team has the potential to win. However, it would have been beneficial for them to have played more ODIs together to build chemistry and form.

And looking at the result in the 2-match ODI series in Sri Lanks, they have a bit of work ahead of them.

Batting was the main concern and there is mounting pressure on Jake Fraser-McGurk who has struggled to find consistency.

This can be the issue when you’re a young up-and-coming star and everyone is talking about you and your skills. In the end, you have to perform and when playing for your country, there is nowhere to hide.

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Even after a series defeat, I still see the potential of this squad and knowing that *********** teams stand up in big tournaments, especially when the outside noise doesn’t back them it seems to get them up and about.

The intriguing aspect of seeing this squad, especially with the injuries and retirements, is that it provides fans a glimpse of the future talents ready to step up. We’re getting a look at players who are not only in contention for the shorter formats but could also make an impact in longer formats down the line.

It’s always tough to see favourite players miss out, whether due to injury or retirement, but that’s the reality of professional sport. The game moves forward.

This transition opens doors for new talent, which is exciting for fans and crucial for the growth of the team. The potential of these emerging players is what keeps the spirit of the game alive, and it’s a great opportunity to see who might carry the legacy in the years to come.

Two things that caught my attention were Stoinis’ retirement and Starc’s decision not to play for personal reasons, which have raised some questions.

When a player feels it’s time to step away, they’ve usually given it a lot of thought. If you can’t give 100 per cent to your team, your country, or yourself, be it in training, matches, or everything else that comes with being a professional cricketer, then it’s often the right call to move on, regardless of the tournament or series on the horizon.

Marcus Stoinis clearly felt it was time for the next generation to step in and make their mark, which shows his willingness to prioritise the team’s future.

Making that decision can be incredibly tough, especially after dedicating so much to reaching the highest level of competition.

As for the timing, yes, some may debate whether it’s ideal or not, but as we’ve discussed, these personal choices often come from deep reflection.

It’s all part of the ongoing evolution of the sport and the transition that teams must navigate. Like I mentioned before, Stonis is better to make this decision now and not be there half-heartedly.

It opens the door for someone else and even though it looks like a late decision, the next player will need to be ready.

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AAP

And veteran fast bowler Mitchell Starc will be missing from this squad for personal reasons. I think most fans will be understanding when it comes to personal matters. What really matters is that it isn’t anything serious, and hopefully, we’ll see him back in *********** colours soon.

He’s been one of Australia’s best with the white ball and his presence on the pitch is always significant.

There has also been concern regarding Mitchell Starc’s physical condition, as he seems to be carrying a ******* or two.

Throughout the *********** summer, there were worries about his fitness, but he managed to push through it, even participating in a two-match series in Sri Lanka.

As a fast bowler, he has certainly proven his resilience by continuing to perform despite the challenges. His presence will definitely be missed around the squad, as he’s not just a key player but also a leader with a wealth of experience that younger players look up to.

It’s hard for me to say if the Champions Trophy holds the same significance as when I played.

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I’d like to think it still does and the legacy of past players and their performances have influenced this generation and the next as we move forward.

I often hear that ODI cricket is dead, yet every time a World Cup comes around, it seems to be successful on all fronts.

I hope the same holds true for this Champions Trophy. Time will tell, but personally, I feel it’s an important tournament. As Australians, we always want to showcase our talent and demonstrate to other countries just how good we are in any major competition.

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#Mitchell #Johnson #Pressure #younger #players #Australia #stand #big #tournaments

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