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Hazlewood reveals Johnson's advice

Aussie pacemen boosted by visit from England's former Ashes tormentor before third Test in Perth

Mitchell Johnson kept his advice to Australia's pacemen short and sweet - bowl fast and keep bowling short.

Johnson, England's tormentor throughout their 5-0 series defeat in Australia four years ago, visited Steve Smith's side in the nets in Perth on Monday.

Johnson's 37 Ashes wickets, 2013-14

There were few technical tips from the retired left-armer, according to Josh Hazlewood.

"Bowl fast and keep bowling short," Hazlewood said.

"He mentioned he saw a few things similar to 13-14 (in how England are playing).

Johnson joins Aussies for Ashes net session

"Those guys are always good to talk to about past experiences."

Before this Magellan Ashes Series began, Australia's quicks studied footage of Johnson's sizzling summer of 2013-14, when he claimed 37 wickets and man-of-the-series honours.

Smith's side hold a 2-0 lead in the five-Test series, meaning they will reclaim the urn if they defeat England in the contest that starts in Perth on Thursday.


Hazlewood had been racing the clock to be fit for the series opener, having suffered a side strain during this year's tour of Bangladesh.

The right-armer had been uncharacteristically inconsistent since returning but he excelled on day five of the second Test, claiming two quick wickets in his opening spell - including the all-important scalp of England skipper Joe Root.

Bet365 Play Of The Day - Hazlewood bags Root

"I'm getting better as time goes on," he said.

"The length was great, especially on that last day ... hopefully it continues to get better."

Asked about Mitch Marsh's expected recall to the XI, Hazlewood indicated he "always wants an allrounder (in the team) but at the same time you want those runs at No.6".

2017-18 International Fixtures

Magellan Ashes Series

Australia Test squad: Steve Smith (c), David Warner (vc), Cameron Bancroft, Usman Khawaja, Peter Handscomb, Shaun Marsh, Mitchell Marsh, Tim Paine (wk), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Jackson Bird.

England Test squad: Joe Root (c), James Anderson (vc), Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Jake Ball, Gary Ballance, Stuart Broad, Alastair Cook, Mason Crane, Tom Curran, Ben Foakes, Dawid Malan, Craig Overton, Ben Stokes, Mark Stoneman, James Vince, Chris Woakes.

First Test Australia won by 10 wickets. Scorecard

Second Test Australia won by 120 runs (Day-Night). Scorecard

Third Test WACA Ground, December 14-18. Tickets

Fourth Test MCG, December 26-30. Tickets

Fifth Test SCG, January 4-8 (Pink Test). Tickets

Gillette ODI Series v England

First ODI MCG, January 14. Tickets

Second ODI Gabba, January 19. Tickets

Third ODI SCG, January 21. Tickets

Fourth ODI Adelaide Oval, January 26. Tickets

Fifth ODI Perth Stadium, January 28. Tickets

Prime Minister's XI

PM's XI v England Manuka Oval, February 2. Tickets

Gillette T20 trans-Tasman Tri-Series

First T20I Australia v NZ, SCG, February 3. Tickets

Second T20I – Australia v England, Blundstone Arena, February 7. Tickets

Third T20I – Australia v England, MCG, February 10. Tickets

Fourth T20I – NZ v England, Wellington, February 14

Fifth T20I – NZ v Australia, Eden Park, February 16

Sixth T20I – NZ v England, Seddon Park, February 18

Final – TBC, Eden Park, February 21