Lillee tips Johnson for Ashes

Dennis Lillee says Mitchell Johnson, the Queensland fast bowler, could be in the running for an Ashes berth if he performs strongly in the early part of the Australian domestic season. Johnson is currently in India for the Champions Trophy and the injury to Stuart Clark will give him more opportunities to perform during the tournament.

"If he bowls well early in the season he has to be in contention [for the Ashes]," Lillee told The Daily Telegraph. "If he comes out in the first couple of games and takes some bags - and remember he got 10-for in the Pura Cup final on a flat, flat, flat wicket up at the Gabba [against Victoria last summer]. He's looked all right since he was 16 years of age.

"He has had a few problems along the way with injuries. Last year when they were playing Western Australia he told me that he had had a change of attitude and that he was now leaving no stone unturned. He said he felt much better for it and was bowling better for it. It seems like everything is falling into place for him now."

In his last international appearance, Johnson wrecked India by taking 4 for 11 in the DLF Cup in Kuala Lumpur. He has now trained his sights on performing during Champions Trophy, a tournament in which success has eluded Australia. "I'm just concentrating on the Champions Trophy and seeing what happens there," Johnson said. "I still do pinch myself a little bit. I've got guys like Brett Lee telling me how eager he is to go out and bowl with me. It's just a great feeling to play for Australia."