Johnson hoping for Aussie consolation

Mitchell Johnson is confident Australia can overcome Shane Watson and Brett Lee's absences - as long as they heed coach Mickey Arthur's warning that it is time to get stuck in against England.

Australia have left it late if they are to manage even a sliver of consolation in the NatWest Series, in which the world number ones trail 3-0 with just Tuesday's last match at Old Trafford to come.

Batting all-rounder Watson and veteran fast bowler Lee both suffered calf strains in Saturday's eight-wicket defeat to England at Chester-le-Street. Paceman Johnson sat the game with a sore foot, but is now fit. He said of his injured colleagues' misfortune: "It's a big blow, obviously with their experience, but it's something we can work with as well."

He added: "We have a very talented squad here."

After England clinched the series so emphatically at the weekend, Arthur called a team meeting in which he spelled out to his side that they needed to show more "mongrel" out on the pitch, to try to do themselves justice.

"Like Mickey said the other day, we just need to have fire in our bellies and show that belief and go out and do a job," said Johnson.

"We have one more chance to show England and ourselves we're good enough - and I believe we are good enough.

"We're all disappointed to be 3-0 down. We were all excited about this tour ... the guys were keen to get over and perform.

"We just haven't done it on the field. I think it's exactly right what Mickey said, because we have the talent.

"We have plenty of guys there, and we need to back up our ability."