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Bailey backs Johnson for Test recall

Australian Twenty20 captain George Bailey believes Mitchell Johnson can be a gamebreaker - and set himself up for an Ashes recall - in the limited overs series in England.

Johnson has joined the Australian squad for two Twenty20 games and six one-dayers in the UK after being left out of the Test side that fell 3-0 in the Ashes.

While often targeted by English fans for being wayward at times, Bailey expects Johnson will thrive in the limited overs campaign, starting in Thursday's T20 international against England in Southampton.

He also believes a strong showing from 31-year-old Johnson could convince selectors to recall him for the return Ashes series starting in November.

"I've no doubt (selectors) would have Mitch in their sights for a couple of those (Ashes) games particularly given the grounds and his record at some of those grounds," Bailey said.

"I don't think he'd ever be too far from the selectors' minds."

Renowned speedster Brett Lee has also called for Johnson to be recalled, saying his raw pace offered something different.

Bailey agrees and feels Johnson will play a crucial role in upcoming games.

"There's no doubt someone like him who can bowl as quick as he can and swing the ball at the top of the order can break a game open," Bailey said of Johnson, a veteran of 124 one-day games and 28 T20s.

"That's what we are after with our Twenty20 cricket - we want matchwinners.

"I don't think he's got anything to prove and his form has been really great.

"I thought he bowled really well in his last couple of one-day games for us. He's not too much fun to face in the nets so hopefully he brings that aggression."

Johnson is one of several new faces in the Australian squad, with only seven members of the Test side retained for the limited overs tour.

Bailey hoped the injection of new players could be the spark Australia needs to break a winless run in all format that stretches back more than 200 days.

"With the fresh faces it's important to try and give the group a bit of energy," Bailey said.

"The Ashes didn't go the way we would have liked it to but also it's just a long tour.

"Hopefully we can get some wins up on this tour."