Published: Sep 27, 2015, 10:50 AM (IST)
Edited: Sep 27, 2015, 10:50 AM (IST)
Left-arm pacer Mitchell Johnson will bowl with an added purpose when New Zealand go to Australia for a three-Test series in November. The almost 34-year-old has been labelled ‘Ol’ Man River’ by the junior pacemen in the Australian battery and Johnson is keen to show them how it’s done, age notwithstanding. Johnson bears the torch of being the most experienced of the current lot of active of Australian Test players and his motive is to lead the transitioning side by example. “I’m one of the old guys now, they call me Ol’ Man River,” Johnson joked on Wide World of Sports as reported by cricket.com.au. ALSO READ: Tom Latham believes New Zealand can win Test series vs Australia in November 2015
Since his Test debut in 2007, Johnson has played 71 Tests which have reaped him a rich award of 306 wickets at an impressive average of 27.94. Johnson will look to better that record against the visiting Kiwis and then the West Indies in the coming summer. But, Johnson is well aware that New Zealand is not the feeble Test team that has been poor in Australia historically anymore. Johnson has closely followed the Black Caps’ success and is scheming and plotting their downfall. ALSO READ: Mike Hesson admits Australia tour will be huge challenge for New Zealand
“We’re coming up against New Zealand who have been playing really good cricket the past two years,” Johnson said. “They’ve got a ton of experience now, but look, we’re confident. “We’re all about playing good, aggressive, hard cricket and hopefully we’ll be able to do that this summer.”
