Essex replace Johnson with youth

Johnson has been promoted from the Australian 'A' side

Essex have decided against replacing unavailable Australian bowler Mitchell Johnson and will instead rely on their crop of promising youngsters.

Johnson had been signed as one of the club's overseas players for the first half of the season but has been called up for Australia's tour of Bangladesh.

"This is a fantastic opportunity to see what the exciting talent can do," said Essex chief executive David East.

"We have decided not to replace Johnson and give the youngsters a chance."

They are not the finished article yet but have the talent to succeed Essex captain Ronnie Irani

Essex signed Johnson and fellow Australian bowler Andy Bichel in March to share overseas duties.

Bichel, who has also played county cricket for Worcestershire and Hampshire, will still join up with the squad in mid-season.

In the meantime, young seamers Jahid Ahmed, Mervyn Westfield and Maurice Chambers have their chance to impress after being called up to the first-team squad.

Essex captain Ronnie Irani believes Johnson's absence will help the long-term development of the young pacemen.

"They are not the finished article yet but have the talent to succeed," Irani said.

"I feel we have the right blend of experienced campaigners and youth to fast-track one or two more players over the next couple of months."

Essex open their county campaign against Northamptonshire at Chelmsford next Wednesday.