Mitchell Johnson set for quick recall to Australia side but Doug Bollinger set to miss out

Shane Warne has taken a radical approach to Australia's spin conundrum, describing calls for his return as "flattering" and suggesting the selectors turn to unheralded West Australia left-arm spinner Michael Beer.

By contrast, Steve Waugh claims it will be difficult for Australia to turn around the Ashes series after going 1-0 down, saying the selectors should seek stability rather than continue to chop and change.

The return of Johnson appears inevitable after he was told to rest from the Sheffield Shield match between Western Australia and Queensland, beginning in Brisbane on Friday. Harris, Australia's best bowler in the innings defeat to England in the second Test, was cleared of injury on Thursday after visiting a specialist.

Doug Bollinger's lack of fitness looks set to cost him a place after Ricky Ponting claimed the left-arm speedster "hit the wall" during two days of bowling under the hot Adelaide sun.

Ben Hilfenhaus also looks certain to return with his ability to bowl consistent outswing into the Fremantle doctor.

However, the batting remains a conundrum, with Usman Khawaja scoring another nice half-century for NSW, but failing to nail the big score which would make him a red-hot chance to replace Marcus North. 

"Do they opt for Nathan Hauritz or a wrist-spinner like Steve Smith?

"Do they play two spinners or none at all and prepare a green, grassy wicket in Perth?

"That would be a big gamble against England's seam attack. The pitch is not fast and bouncy these days, so maybe you get a local guy who knows the Perth conditions, like left-arm spinner Michael Beer. Sometimes horses for courses works."

Beer, 26, made his debut for WA this year and has played just five first-class matches, claiming 16 wickets at an average of 40.

Waugh was part of the last Australian team to lose an Ashes series on home soil in 1986-87, but then played in eight successive series wins, captaining the last two.

"It's going to be difficult, it's almost like the shoe is on the other foot, we've reversed roles," Waugh said.