Mitchell Johnson ruled out of fourth Test

Sydney, Jan 4 (IANS) Australia's pace spearhead Mitchell Johnson, suffering from hamstring soreness, has been ruled out of the fourth Test against India starting here Tuesday.

Johnson did not train with his teammates Saturday and physiotherapist Alex Kountouris confirmed Sunday morning that the left-armer has not fully recovered from soreness in his right hamstring.

"Mitchell had some right hamstring soreness during the Boxing Day Test and we have been closely monitoring his recovery since that match but feel he has not fully recovered," Kountouris said. 

"As such, he will not play in the upcoming Sydney Test match. We expect him to recover in time to play a part in the upcoming Tri Series against England and India."

Coach Darren Lehmann said there was no point risking Johnson and the lay-off would give him time to be fully fit for the tri-series involving India and England starting January 16, ahead of the World Cup next month.

"Mitchell is an important part of our plans for the remainder of our summer and we want him 100 percent right, so won’t be taking any risks with him. We believe it is best for Mitchell to take this opportunity to freshen up and get his body fully fit ahead of the Tri Series," Lehmann said.