By CricketCountry Staff
Australia pacer Mitchell Johnson says that he is determined to make a strong comeback in the upcoming matches against South Africa, after a poor run in the past 12 months which saw him taking only 21 Test wickets at an average of 41.28.
Published: Oct 21, 2011, 11:08 PM (IST)
Edited: Oct 21, 2011, 11:08 PM (IST)
Mitchell Johnson in action during an Australia nets session © Getty Images
By CricketCountry Staff
Port Elizabeth: Oct 21, 2011
Australia pacer Mitchell Johnson says that he is determined to make a strong comeback in the upcoming matches against South Africa, after a poor run in the past 12 months which saw him taking only 21 Test wickets at 41.28.
“You’re always going to cop criticism I think no matter what. But it’s how you bounce back from those criticisms that really shows what kind of player you are,” he was quoted by Sydney Morning Herald.
“I think I’ve got a lot of years left in me, there was a bit of talk early on (this year) … that I’m approaching 30 and almost over the hill, so it’s quite funny. But I feel fit and strong and if I can keep being positive and keep these guys around me keeping me positive then I’m looking forward to a good series,” he said.
Johnson has tasted success in the recent matches that he played, taking five-wickets for Western Australia in a Sheffield Shield match, and bagging three for 20 in the opening ODI against South Africa in Centurion.
The left-arm pacer added that despite the young talent flowing in, he doesn’t feel under pressure.
He said that Australia need to make the most of teenager Patrick Cummins’ rare talent and should give him as many opportunities as possible.
The 18-year-old pacer has suffered back issues in his brief career, and there are concerns over his fitness and temperament for Test format as he was named in the Australia squad for the two-match series in South Africa.
“It’s a fair bit but I think you’ve got to use a guy like that when you can. He can bowl up to 150km/h, you’ve got to make the most of it I think,” said Johnson.
“I went through back fractures, stress fractures at that age. I’m not saying he’s going to go through that, he might not get injuries. Glenn McGrath was one of those guys who didn’t get back stress fractures,” he added.
“It’s possible he’d get through it and if he does then good on him and it’s good for us, good for our future in Australian cricket. I’m looking forward to seeing him bowl … and play more cricket for sure,” added Johnson, who also suffered stress fractures in his back when he was a young bowler, but managed to become only the fourth left-arm pacer for Australia to take 100 wickets.
