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Ashes 2015: Darren Lehmann praises Mitchell Johnson for good crowd focus

Johnson was not intimidated by the crowd's taunts and Lehmann says that Australia has benefited from it.

Mitchell Johnson gave it back to the crowd who had tried to taunt him © Getty Images
Mitchell Johnson gave it back to the crowd who had tried to taunt him © Getty Images

In the 2009 series Mitchell Johnson was on the receiving end of England fans who had repeatedly scoffed at him about his lack of control. His reception in the first two Tests was reasonably affable. This was particularly at Lord’s where he had picked six wickets which Australia won by 405 runs. Jphnson handled the taunts well. The left-arm pace bowler was lightning rod for mock applause and grouchy chants every time he picked the Dukes ball at Edgbaston. The atmosphere was very jubilant on the third and final day of the third Test match. The crowd was at its loudest during Johnson’s last over. ALSO READ: Mitchell Johnson leads Australia’s roar back in Ashes 2015

Speaking to cricket.com.au Lehmann said “Mitchell has taken away all the pressure off the other players basically and they [the crowd] keep giving it to him. It’s been entertaining, to be perfectly honest, and Mitchell has handled it really well.” The express paceman tried to give it back to the crowd when they were at their loudest during the last over. He aborted his final run-up then letting the ball rip from alongside the umpire. “He pulled up short a couple of times, bowled a long ball just to wind them up a little bit. Credit to him, he’s handled it all brilliantly.” Lehmann said. ALSO READ: Mitchell Johnson: Darren Lehmann brought the fun in to the game for Australia

Johnson with the help of some sneering bouncers picked up his 300th and 301st Test wickets earlier in the game. “When he’s got his tail up there’s not many that are more ferocious, or bowl as fast,” Nevill said. “Mitchell Johnson in full flight is just at a different level to anything I’ve seen.” Lehmann also said that the form of English openers Alastair Cook and Adam Lyth was cause for confidence as Australia attempt to level the series in Nottingham. “We’ve got some pressure on their batters, with Lyth and Cook struggling,” he said. “Now we’ve just got to continue that on and get the ball in the right areas more often.” Peter Nevill brushes off Australia dressing-room disharmony rumours

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