Johnson will play in Edgbaston Test, says Coach Nielsen

Northampton (UK), July 23 (ANI): Australian cricket team coach Tim Nielsen has said that strike bowler Mitchell Johnson will play in the Npower Third Ashes Test against England at Edgbaston despite his wayward bowling in the first two Tests.

Johnson, who took three wickets for 200 runs at Lord's, has been given all the support he needs to make a telling comeback, Nielsen said.

Refusing to panic, Nielsen said: "Most importantly we need to keep things in perspective. He's had a brilliant two years, he's done nothing but improve in every Test."

"We're not hiding from the fact that he didn't have a brilliant time at Lord's, but he got better as the Test went on, which was pleasing. He's been too good for us to think 'Oh, he's not going to play at Edgbaston'," The Sun quoted Nielsen, as saying.

As far as Brett Lee was concerned, the Aussie coach revealed he would not gamble with his fitness even as he recovers from a side strain.

Nielsen said: "We just need to make sure that we don't panic and rush him back too quickly with the result being that he's not quite right and puts himself out for the rest of the series." (ANI)