Australia can cope without Johnson - Siddle

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Mitch Johnson

Peter Siddle is confident Australia have enough quality to cope without Mitchell Johnson and believes he is the man to take the role of senior statesman in the absence of the left-arm quick.

Johnson announced his retirement from international cricket with immediate effect following the drawn second Test against New Zealand last week.

Siddle looks set for a recall in the third and final Test at the Adelaide Oval, which starts on Friday, and the 30-year-old is ready to take the responsibility of being the most experienced bowler in Australia's attack.

"Just [Johnson's] experience side of things and knowing how to play in the conditions [is what Australia will miss]," said paceman Siddle. 

"All those things you learn off the experienced guys and the knowledge they have over years of cricket, you lose a lot of that. That type of experience around the group is going to be hard to pick up on, but I think I can play a part in that.

"I've been around for just a little bit shorter than Mitch, but I've been around and played enough Test cricket, played enough around the world, to be able to give enough knowledge and experience to these guys.

"All these guys debuted with me alongside them, especially 'Starcy' [Mitchell Starc] and 'Patto' [James Pattinson] a few years ago. I think I'll be able to pass on enough to them and work alongside them. 

"Obviously my skillset works well with the way their play their games."

Siddle added: "All in all we're still in a good place.

"Starcy has shown over the past especially 12 months the way he can perform, that he can take over that mantle as the type of player Mitch Johnson was in the Ashes [in 2013-14]; the fast, aggressive wicket-taker.

"Starcy has definitely shown in the past 12 months that he can fill that role, and fill it well. When he's on and has those spells I think it shows that he can be a very fierce competitor and put a lot of pressure on the opposition.

"There's enough to cover [without Johnson]. Obviously time will tell whether it will work, but I think we're in a good place."

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