"Boom quick Johnson, not in the top four players last season, is likely to be promoted to the No 2 spot when the Australian selectors decide their 25-man contract list in the next few weeks," the report stated. "Mike Hussey and Brett Lee are expected to be given pay cuts."

The newspaper said skipper Ricky Ponting is likely to retain his number one spot in the contract list despite the Australian team's inconsistent form under him.

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Johnson's elevation comes in the wake of his good performance this summer, during which he grabbed 14 wickets in the two Tests against New Zealand, 17 wickets against South Africa in three Tests in Australia and 16 in South Africa. He proved his worth with the bat as well, scoring his maiden Test hundred during the away series against South Africa.