Starc was considered part of the best non-injured xi for Melbourne, but didn't play because they felt he was at risk of being injured. So in theory he should regain his spot for Sydney. I don't think either of Bird or Johnson should be dropped, and I doubt it makes sense to not play Siddle. He only bowled 13 overs in Melbourne, and probably won't play limited overs. I like having 4 quicks available to bowl, we've struggled when we've had fewer available to us. Johnson seems about as likely to make runs as Watson, and, well - 92 is more than Usman has ever made in a Test. Unless we've decided to simply not play a spinner anymore, it doesn't make any sense for Lyon to not play in Sydney. All four q
uicks have put their hands up and demanded selection. Khawaja has not. His first class performance this Summer has been creditable, but that's all.
I don't think playing Johnson at 7 unbalances the team too much, if at all. Everyone in the current squad has earned selection, so that's who I'd play. Also, I want to see more of Bird at Test level - he looks like he has the control to be very effective in England. I want to see if Johnson can back that performance up, because when he's that destructive he's a huge asset to the side.