Johnson axed by Australia for second Ashes Test

Mitchell Johnson has been axed from Australia’s team for the second Ashes Test in Adelaide.

The paceman came under-fire after failing to take a single wicket at the Gabba as England racked up 517-1 in their second innings to draw the opening Test.

The Australian selectors have now decided to leave the 29-year-old out of their 13-man squad, leaving Ryan Harris, Doug Bollinger and Ben Hilfenhaus to vie for the final pace-bowling slot.

Johnson will, however, remain with the squad in Adelaide to work with bowling coach Troy Cooley in a bid to get back to the form that made him the 2009 ICC Cricketer of the Year.

"I was a little out of form in the last Test, so there's a bit of work for me to do," admitted Johnson. "I'm going to get in the nets and work very hard.

"I think getting away from all the hype, getting out there in the nets and working is probably the best option for me.

"I'm going to take a lot of positives out of this and work really hard. There's been a lot of players before me that have been dropped and worked their way back in so that's what I'm planning to do and hopefully it's going to make me stronger.

"It's obviously disappointing but it's not the end of the world. We still have a lot of Tests to go in this series and I'm going to be working my way back into this team and hopefully play a big part."