London, August 13: Former Australia pacer Mitchell Johnson wants to make a change to Australias playing XI for the second Ashes Test, slated to start at the Lord's on Wednesday. Johnson said he would opt for Mitchell Starc instead of James Pattinson for the clash. The slope at the home of cricket which drops 2.5 metres across the playing surface is the reason behind Johnson's choice of Starc for Pattinson. England vs Australia Cricket Score 2nd Test Match.

"I'd go for Starc and probably have Pattinson out. As much as I want to see (Josh) Hazlewood go well you can't drop Sidds," Johnson was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au."He's (Starc) been really useful and especially on the slope I think he'd be very good and he just backed up (off-spinner Nathan) Lyon really well. And (Pat) Cummins is in his own little world, just leave him be," the former pacer added. Johnson felt that making a change in the winning combination would be a bit tough but still he would back Starc. Ashes 2019, 2nd Test Match Preview: England Eye Comeback at the ‘Mecca of Cricket’ Against Australia.

"It's hard to change a winning side but I'd like to see Starc still come charging in. The slope comes into it, big time. Left-armer, bit of a different angle."We saw in the last Test the (Australian fast bowlers) coming around the wicket a fair bit … I'm not too sure about that. Someone's got to stay over and one around to left-hand batters. So maybe a left-hand bowler would be ideal," he opined. Starc had missed the first Test in Birmingham but bowled with decent pace in Australia's tour match against Worcestershire, emerging with figures of 2/56 from his 15.5 overs.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 13, 2019 04:27 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).