Perth: Even if Australia's brains trust had decided it was time to move on without Mitch Johnson, as a consequence of him being blunted by New Zealand's batsmen, they ideally would not have had to replace him immediately as they now do. Few would dispute James Pattinson should be next cab off the rank, but it would be best for all parties if that happened after a string of Sheffield Shield matches to reassure selectors and Pattinson of his ability to withstand the rigours of red-ball cricket, which he could not do last season. Had Johnson played in Adelaide, the selectors could have afforded to keep...
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