Sydney, Sep 22: Australian skipper Michael Clarke is backing left-arm
fast bowler Mitchell Johnson's selection for the South Africa tour
saying that he remains an integral part of the Test side despite his
dreadful form in recent months.

Johnson collected just six
wickets at an average of 52 in Sri Lanka, and was outperformed by Ryan
Harris, Trent Copeland and Shane Watson.

Also in Johnson's favour is his excellent record against South Africa, whom he terrorized in 2009.

"He
certainly has had a lot of success in South Africa. I thought he bowled
really well with luck in one-dayers and throughout the Test series I
thought he bowled really well, without much luck, to be honest," the
Sydney Morning Herald quoted Clarke, as saying.

"He's been a very
successful bowler in all three forms of the game for Australia and I
have no doubt that will continue," he added.

Australia sealed the
three-Test match series in Sri Lanka 1-0 on Tuesday, and will now tour
South Africa to play two Twenty20s, three ODIs and a two-match Test
series. (ANI)