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Mitchell Johnson must play in Perth: Hayden

Former Test opener Matthew Hayden has called on Australian selectors to gamble on "erratic" paceman Mitchell Johnson for the third Test against South Africa in Perth.

Johnson hasn't played a Test for Australia for over 12 months after form and fitness deserted him on Australia's tour of South Africa last year.

On Monday, the left-armer won a recall to the Test squad on the back of some strong domestic form and an impressive record at the WACA Ground.

Hayden says Johnson's unpredictability is his biggest strength and called on Australia to unleash the 31-year-old in short bursts against the Proteas.

"I think Mitch is a dynamic bowler. I think in Perth as well the conditions will suit him," Hayden told 7News.

"Mitch has been trialed for a long time in the Australian cricket team. He's had a lot of success but he's erratic in his style.

"But that also makes him dangerous as well. I know first-hand from facing Mitch in the nets, you could have balls at you that come out of nowhere at good pace and they get you out.

"I think he's someone that can be used in explosive sessions, in explosive spells and get a result."

The three-match series is locked at 0-0 after South Africa salvaged a draw in Adelaide, thanks mainly to a fighting unbeaten century from debutant Faf du Plessis.

Hayden admits that the Proteas' impressive rearguard in the second Test will see them take the momentum with them to Perth.

But the 103-Test veteran says Australia will finally see the fruits of their dominance in Perth.

"There's a lot of momentum gone against (Australia) in this last day," Hayden said.

"They’ve still got to understand that they had the winning hand. South Africa weren't even in the Test match, they were just trying to save it. That would have taken some momentum and a moral victory away from Australia, but for me Australia are looking strong."

Hayden was disappointed that Nathan Lyon couldn't spin Australia to victory in Adelaide, but backed him to hold in place in the side for the third Test.

Watch the video at the top of the page to see Hayden's analysis of the Adelaide Test and his preview of the third Test