Out of form Johnson dropped from second Ashes Test

Skipper Ricky Ponting confirmed Thursday that Johnson has not been included in the 13-member squad. "The selectors felt Mitch was down on a bit of form and down on rhythm, that was probably highlighted in the last game. With a short turnaround, he now has a bit of time before the Perth Test match to hopefully rediscover some of that rhythm," Ponting said.

Johnson went wicketless for 170 in the drawn first Test in Brisbane, which prompted a call to Ryan Harris and Dough Bollinger for the second match. Harris, Bollinger along with Ben Hilfenhaus will now fight for the space left by Johnson in the pace attack.

"It's obviously disappointing but it's not the end of the world," Johnson said."We've still got lots of Tests to go in this series, and I'm going to be working my way back to get into the team and hope to be a big part of it."