Hobart (Australia), Dec 13: Australian selectors have dropped Mitchell Johnson in favor of fellow fast bowlers Peter Siddle and Ben Hilfenhaus for the first test against Sri Lanka starting Friday.
Mitchell Starc was named Thursday as the third-prong in the Australian pace attack, while offspinner Nathan Lyon completes the bowling lineup. Johnson is 12th man.
Captain Michael Clarke said Johnson is unlucky to miss out on selection, but the changes were best for the team.
Phil Hughes returns from a year in exile to replace the retired Ricky Ponting at No.3 in the batting order, while Shane Watson shifts to No. 4 in the reshuffle.
