Mitchell Johnson bowled a lively spell on Day One of the first Test between Australia and Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Johnson bowled fast and targeted the batsmen with variations in length. Nishad Pai Vaidya takes a look into his latest spell and sheds some light on his progress in hostile conditions, where he would typically struggle due to the lack of pace and bounce.
Mitchell Johnson breathed fire on Day One of the first Test between Australia and Pakistan in Dubai. On a good batting surface, Johnson created problems with some serious pace and combined that with discipline to trouble the batsmen. Pakistan got a taste of some chin music in short bursts that kept them on their toes through the day. Mohammad Hafeez was welcomed with a short one, followed by a humbling toe-crusher; Younis Khan was hit on the body once — the others also had their share of problems. Since the Ashes 2013-14, Johnson has been one of the most feared fast bowlers in the world, and he lived up to that billing on Day One.
Though Johnson has had his moments over the years, where he has sent chills down the opposition spine — many felt he was only effective on surfaces that offered bounce and aided his style. The statistics back that argument: He has been extraordinary in Australia, South Africa and New Zealand where he has averaged in the 20s. However, in other countries, his average has been over 30. Here are the relevant statistics:
Country
M
W
Ave
New Zealand
2
12
23.08
Australia
29
151
23.54
South Africa
8
41
25.29
West Indies
3
10
34.70
England
7
23
37.73
India
7
21
40.09
Sri Lanka
3
6
52.15
Johnson has been exceptional in Australia and South Africa, where the wickets suit his bowling. In New Zealand, where the surfaces are slower, he has done well in the two Tests he has played. However, in the other nations, he has struggled to maintain consistency which led many to question his prowess when there isn’t help from the surface.
Here is a look at his aggregate record in West Indies, England, India and Sri Lanka — where he hasn’t done too well:
M
W
Ave
BBI
BBM
5W
In Eng, WI, SL, Ind
20
60
39.50
5/64
6/99
2
Overall
60*
267
27.19
8/61
12/127
12
*Does not include the Day One of first Test between Pakistan and Australia at Dubai.
It is evident from the table that Johnson hasn’t been dominant on unhelpful surfaces. His average is 12 notches higher and he has taken only 60 of his 267 Test wickets in these countries. Also, only two five-wicket hauls have been recorded there. What makes it interesting is that one of those fifers came at Headingley and Mohali. At Headingley in 2009, Johnson used the greenish tinge to bowl England out. Then in 2010 at Mohali, which is India’s best track for fast-bowling, he got Australia back into the game.
A change in the offing?
Though it was only the first day, Johnson has shown great promise to make amends to the anomaly in his Test record. Johnson showed during the Ashes 2013/14 that he is a changed bowler and has brought fire into his game. He maintained that on this track and bowled his kind. Using length well and pace, he was a dangerous proposition. Michael Clarke also handled him well as he brought him in for short spells — which allowed Johnson to maintain his energy and recharge before the next burst. Apart from that, he also hit the right channels and didn’t spray it around.
Johnson needs to maintain this form in such situations. He has shown that he is a good bowler and a thrilling sight on his day. To rise above and go the extra level, he has to shine in the most challenging situations.
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