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Mitchell Johnson: Felt like an outsider in Australian team under Michael Clarke’s captaincy

Mitchell Johnson played 27 Tests and 51 ODIs under Michael Clarke's captaincy.

Mitchell Johnson (Right) describes Michal Clarke's reign has captain as "toxic" © Getty Images
Mitchell Johnson (Right) describes Michal Clarke’s reign has captain as “toxic” © Getty Images

Mitchell Johnson in his autobiography “Resilient” has described how he did not want to play under Michael Clarke’s captaincy describing it as fractured and toxic. Johnson was one of the four players, who was suspended by coach Mickey Arthur during the homeworkgate episode during Australia’s tour of India in 2013 and was done with the knowledge of Clarke. Johnson in his autobiography has mentioned various changes that happened after Clarke succeeded Ricky Ponting as the new Australia captain. Johnson has played 73 Tests for Australia, out of which he played 27 Tests under Clarke’s captaincy. Overall, he finished with 313 wickets.

“It just built very slowly but everyone could see it, everyone could feel it and nothing was being done at that time.” Johnson wrote, according to the guardian.com. “So it wasn’t a very enjoyable place to be and you’re supposed to be enjoying yourself when you’re playing for your country,” Johnson said. “It was a pretty bad experience, bad time, a couple of us didn’t want to play. Even some of the young guys coming through could see it a mile away and they didn’t enjoy it, they said state cricket’s so much more fun.” Johnson also mentioned that he did not have a good relationship with Clarke after the whole homeworkgate episode. “I didn’t take it too well,” he said. “I guess the relationship was pretty strained at that point of time within the team … I definitely felt like an outsider,” He wrote.  Johnson  retired after playing a couple of Tests during New Zealand tour of Australia 2015.

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