Leaked email on Kumble, No.1 Kohli under threat and more - Cricket News Today, 12th December 2018

#3 Johnson to Starc's rescue

The second Test is in Perth, but it's not the Perth surface we all know. Right across the river Swan, and minutes away from the pacy WACA pitch that has carved a reputation of its own, Australia will host India at the sparkling Optus Stadium.

While the pitch can't be expected to be a copy of the WACA wicket, the curator has assured that pacers will have a hearty time, with a green drop-in pitch ready to welcome the touring Indians, who have a reputation of floundering on bowling paradises.

In such a scenario, Mitchell Starc's return to form could boost the drooping fortunes of Australia. And, the 28-year-old is set to get a shot in the arm with Mitchell Johnson reaching out to help for help.

Johnson said that he texted Starc and could be meeting him in Perth.

"I’ve already sent him a couple of text messages to see if he wants to catch up and have a chat about things because I have worked with him in the past and you get to know people really well,” Johnson said on BBC’s Stumps podcast.

“It just looked like there was something on his mind, something’s not quite clicking (in the Adelaide Test). We’ll sit down hopefully before the Perth Test match starts,” he added.