The current World Test Champions, Australia, experienced a harsh defeat by the commanding margin of 295 runs in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25, which marked a dramatic start to the series. Captain Pat Cummins’ side was left reeling as India outplayed Australia at their own game. The win was significant for India as they managed to deliver the first major blow in this high-stakes series. This match not only demonstrated India’s strength but also put pressure on Australia’s squad, leading to calls for changes ahead of the next encounter.

Australia’s Mitchell Johnson calls for champion player’s omission

Amidst the fallout from the Perth loss, former Australian bowler Mitchell Johnson has advocated for a shift in Australia’s lineup. Johnson has called for Marnus Labuschagne to be dropped for the second Test in Adelaide, citing the batter’s prolonged struggle with the bat. Labuschagne’s poor run has been highlighted, with scores of just 2 and 3 in the Perth Test and an underwhelming average of 23.57 in Tests since the start of last summer.

In his column for The Nightly, Johnson expressed, “Labuschagne – after a lengthy poor run with the bat – should be replaced for the second Test in Adelaide.”

Also READ: AUS vs IND: Here’s how India have flared in pin?k-b??all Tests

He further elaborated that it would be beneficial for Labuschagne to step away from the pressures of international cricket and play some domestic cricket, such as Sheffield Shield or club cricket, to regain form and confidence. Johnson argued that this break would be more constructive than continuing to struggle against a formidable Indian attack led by bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah.

“I honestly believe the best thing for Labuschagne at this stage would be to be left out. It would give him a chance to play some Sheffield Shield and club cricket away from the pressure of playing for your country and I feel he would benefit from that more than going out there trying to survive against Jasprit Bumrah and co,” the 43-year-old added.

Labuschagne’s recent struggles have come under the microscope following Australia’s defeat. His past 10 Test innings have yielded an average of just 13.66, with only one score exceeding 10 runs. This alarming form has led to intense scrutiny and calls for a change Johnson further emphasized that cricketers often face a period where they must be dropped and that the measure of a player’s resilience is shown in how they respond to such challenges.

“Some will say, hold up a minute, it’s just the first Test of a long summer. But this has been going on for a while. In his past 10 Test innings, he’s passed 10 just once. Cricketers get dropped at some point of their careers and it’s about how you bounce back from that,” Johnson concluded.

Pink-ball Test in Adelaide against India

The focus now shifts to Adelaide, where India and Australia are set to face off in the only pink-ball Test of the series. Scheduled to begin on December 6, 2024, at the Adelaide Oval, the match will last until December 10, barring any unexpected early conclusion, similar to what occurred in Perth. The Adelaide Test is expected to offer a unique challenge with the pink ball, which has its own set of conditions and may impact team strategies and selections. Australia’s lineup, including decisions regarding Labuschagne, will be closely scrutinized as they seek to bounce back from their opening defeat and take advantage of the different conditions posed by the day-night format.

Also WATCH: Virat Kohli hits back with wit after Australian PM’s re?mark on his Perth century

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Former Australian pacer Mitchell Johnson, who has had a fierce rivalry with India’s Virat Kohli, has put their past on-field confrontations behind him and expressed a special wish for the Indian star ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25. The two players, who clashed both verbally and p?hysically during the 2014-15 series, have a history of aggressive encounter.

Virat Kohli’s recent form and the stakes for BGT 2024-25 

Kohli, despite being one of the greatest modern-day batters, has been struggling in the longest format lately. With only two centuries in the last four years, and just one half-century in his last ten innings, the pressure will be on Kohli to deliver in the BGT 2024-25 . The five-match series, beginning on November 22 in Perth, may very well be Kohli’s final Test assignment in Australia. Johnson’s request for Kohli to score a century holds particular significance, considering the batter’s struggles and the emotional weight this tour could carry.

Mitchell Johnson’s perspective: A special request

Johnson, writing in The West Australian, acknowledged Kohli’s past success in Australia, where he has an outstanding average of 54.08, higher than his career average of 47.83. The former fast bowler admitted that while Kohli’s form has dipped in recent times, his history on Australian soil means he has the ability to turn things around. Johnson expressed a desire to see Kohli score a century in what may be his final tour.

“The 36-year-old is most likely in Australia for the final time on a Test tour. It’s a place he’s done well. He averages 54.08 in Australia â€?higher than his career average of 47.83 and few batsmen around the world can say that. His form hasn’t been at its best recently and he will be under pressure to perform again here in front of the many Indian fans who will turn out,” Johnson wrote in his column? for The West Au?stralian.

“I wonder if the situation will give him all the determination he needs or if it will all be too much for him. As a fan now watching on, maybe I’d like to see him make one more Test ton in Australia. As his adversary from a decade ago, maybe not,” the 43-year-old added.

Also READ: AUS vs IND: Sourav Ganguly urges Rohit Sharma and Mohammed Shami to fly to Australia for Border-G?avaskar Trophy

The rivalry between Johnson and Kohli

The rivalry between Johnson and Kohli traces back to the 2014-15 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, a series marked by intense on-field incidents. Kohli had a phenomenal run, amassing four centuries in as many Tests, despite India losing 2-0. One notable clash occurred when Johnson, attempting a run-out, inadvertently struck Kohli with the ball. This sparked tensions, with Kohli openly expressing his disappointment and stating that he had lost respect for the Australian pacer. Despi?te these heated exchanges, Kohli concluded the series as the second-highest run-scorer, accumulating an impressive 692 runs at an average of 86.50.

The evolution of Kohli and Indian cricket

Johnson also commented on Kohli’s transformation, particularly as a captain. He praised Kohli’s dedication to fitness and his relentless drive to push his teammates to better their performances. Reflecting on the Indian team of the 2014-15 series, Johnson noted the competitive spirit Kohli had instilled, noting that the Indian team had become far more ambitious and aggressive. He observed a significant shift in the Indian team since that series, noting their newfound desire to challenge Australia and assert their dominance on the world stage.

“He trains hard and pushes players to get better. I heard about him when Sachin and Sehwag were about to retire. Kohli was demanding as a captain, but he is one player you want to have in your team. I saw a difference in the Indian team that played in Australia in 2014-15, which was my last Aussie summer. They were competitive and wanted to beat us,” Johnson concluded

Also READ: AUS vs IND 2024: India’s playing XI for the first Test against Australia �Pre?dicted

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Former Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson has expressed his skepticism regarding Steve Smith‘s motivation for playing T20 internationals for Australia, suggesting that Smith might be using these matches to ?enhance ?his appeal for T20 leagues worldwide after his Test career concludes, thereby securing lucrative contracts.

Steve Smith’s T20 struggles: A dilemma for Australia ahead of World Cup 2024

Despite Australia’s recent dominance in the T20I series against New Zealand, Smith’s struggles in the shortest format persist, raising concerns with the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. The 34-year-old, after sitting out the first game, featured in the last two matches against New Zealand but failed?? to make a signif??icant impact, scoring 11 and four in the respective games.

Mitchell Johnson questions Smith’s T20 International motivation

In a column for the Nightly, Johnson, who represented Australia in international cricket from 2005 to 2015. questioned Smith’s genuine interest in international T20 cricket and speculated on the allure of playing in global T20 leagues post his Test career. Johnson pondered whether Smith aim to perform at the international level and in World Cups to bolster his chances of securing substantial contracts in T20 leagues worldwide.

“I wonder if international T20 cricket is something he really wants to play. Of course, he will most likely play in a few different leagues around the world when his Test career is over and so maybe there is a dangling carrot in that he wants to perform at international level and at a World Cup to boost his chances of playing in leagues where he can earn himself big pay cheques,” Johnson said.

Also READ: Andrew McDonald provides clarity on Steve Smithâ€?™s chances for the T20 World Cup 2024

Only way to make a place

Despite acknowledging the possibility of Smith featuring in T20 leagues? post his Test career, Johnson indicated that the opening slot might be th??e only position where the batter could be accommodated in the playing XI for Australia.

“That (opening) gives him time to get himself in and his eye in and once that happens he can hit it all over the park. And with Australia’s explosive batting attack, that could be a good fit for Smith. But Australia need to see him score and do that job consistently before he could be considered for the World Cup,” the 42-year-old concluded.

Despite Smith’s stellar performances in ODIs and Tests, the T20I format has proven to be a challenge for him, amassing only 1094 runs in 67 matches with an average of 24.86 and a strike rate of 125.

Also READ: Mitchell Marsh? identifies the most crucial Australian player for T20 World C?up 2024

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Australian spinner Nathan Lyon has conveyed a special message to Mitchell Johnson ahead of the first Test match of the three-game home series against Pakistan, commencing in Perth on December 14.

Mitchell Johnson’s remarks on David Warner’s farewell stir headlines

Johnson’s controversial comments about David Warner receiving a home farewell in red-ball cricket, despite concerns about his form, grabbed headlines before the series opener. The situation escalated when Johnson disclosed that he did not receive an appropria??te text message from Warner,?? involving more former Australian cricketers in the saga.

Nathan Lyon’s message for Johnson ahead of first Test

As the first Test approaches, Lyon has affirmed that he harbors no grievances with ex-teammate Johnson, notwithstanding the latter’s recent comments about Warner. The right-arm spinner also expressesd a willingness to engage in conversation with Johnson, given the opportunity in Perth.

“If he’s around the ground I’ll say hello to him, I’ve got no dramas with saying hello. He was pretty incredible in that 2013-14 Ashes, and I’ve got some very fond memories of it, that’s for sure,” Lyon was quoted as saying by Sen.com.au

Also READ: SA vs IND: Sunil G?avaskar slams Cricket South Africa after rain forces abandonment of 1st T20I

Lyon’s determination: Eyeing the exclusive 500-wicket club

Lyon has further emphasized that retirement is not on his mind at the moment. With an impressive record of 122 Test appearances and 496 wickets, he is just four short of reaching the 500-wicket milestone and joining the exclusive club of Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne.

“I’m not putting a number on it. I want to play cricket for as long as I can. I didn’t win in India and I haven’t won in England, and it’s two places I want to do. I feel like there’s a passion there to keep going – I’m definitely not putting a line through where I can get to,” the 36-year-old added.

“It’s something I’m extremely proud of and when you look at it you’re slowly creeping your way up on two Australian greats who are the only two guys who have taken over 500 wickets for Australia. It’s pretty amazing when you potentially see your name up alongside those guys,” the New south Wales-born concluded.

Also READ: Nich?olas Pooran among the three players to decline Cricket West Indies ?central contract

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Cricket makes for a tough contest between bat an??d ball. While the batters toil hard in net practices, bowlers often upgrade their skills and introduce s??tock deliveries to keep them in contention by deceiving the batsmen.

However, every bowler has a specific batter whom he fears si?nce the latter?? is good at reading the ball and also gives a bulwark performance when he gets going.

Here are ten legendary bowlers and the batsmen they fear:-

James Anderson- Graeme Smith

England bowler James Anderson has the highest Test wickets among the current lot of cricketers. Anderson is famous for his ability to move the ball both ways. However, the 38-year-old once opened up about former South African skipper Graeme Smith as the most difficult batter he had ??ever bowled to.

Anderson referred to the South Africa tour of England in 2003 when the veteran pacer only had inswing in his arsenal, which was Smith’s strength, and thus the latter smashed two double centuries in that series.

“My first series against him was in 2003 and at that time I could only swing the ball back in, I didn’t have an out-swinger to a left-handed batsman. I was just feeding his strength, and I was getting so annoyed. He always got it through the leg-side. That series he got two double centuries and it was just impossible to bowl at him,” Anderson recollected.

Pat Cummins- Cheteshwar Pujara

Australian pacer Pat Cummins is currently ranked at the numero-uno spot in the Test rankings. Still, the pacer had a hard time bowling to Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara.

Pujara is a defensive player and relies on wearing out the bowler. Cummins revealed in an interview that Pujara was the bulwark for his side and stood firm like a rock in Border Gavaskar Series 2020/21. Critics also believe that Pujara was the anchor of the Indian?? team and led them to a historic 2-1 victory against the Aussies.

“There are a lot of them out there, unfortunately. But I am going to go with someone different, and he is Cheteshwar Pujara from India. He was a real pain in the back for us. He (Pujara) was an absolute rock for them in that series. (He was) Really hard to get out. Just ultra concentration all day, day after day. He is the hardest one in Test cricket so far, I think,” Cummins admitted.

Dale Steyn- Virender Sehwag

South African pacer Dale Steyn topped th??e Test bowling ranking charts for the longest period of time when he was in his best shape.

Steyn had a ravaging pace coupled with the ability to swing the bowl both ways. However, Steyn tacitly implied that Indian opener Virender Sehwag was the most difficult batsman he had ever bowled to by recalling his magnificent 319 against the might African s??ide in a red ball contest i??n Chennai.

“Happy birthday Viru! Hope it’s been a good one, my friend. PS. I still have nightmares of Chennai @virendersehwag.” Steyn wished Sehwag on his 42nd birthday.

Mitchell Johnson- AB de Villiers

Former Australian speedster Mitchell Johnson is one of the most difficult bowlers to face. Johnson bagged 313 wickets in the 73 red c??herry contests he part?icipated in.

However, South African batsman AB de Villiers left J??ohnson in deep waters by displaying his ability to hit the ball around all the corners of the park. Th??e right-hander helped his side chase 414 runs in a Test against Australia in Perth by smashing an unbeaten 106.

“AB de Villiers, he’s one outstanding player of our generation. He was always so difficult to get out and a huge challenge,” Johnson ??spoke about de Villiers in one of his interviews.

Harbhajan Singh- Younis Khan

Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh was known for insisting his captains to let him bowl long spells. However, the off-spinner was wary of Pakistan’s batter Younis Khan who had an ardour for r?escuing his side from difficult situations.

“Younis has annoyed me too much. I used to feel like crying while bowling him,” Harbhajan admitted.

In addition to Younis, the Jalandhar-born also mentioned that he had difficulty bowling to Jacques Kallis, Matthew Hayden, Brian Lara and Inzamam-ul-Haq.

Muttiah Muralitharan- Brian Lara

Former Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan holds the record for the highest wickets in both Tests and ODIs. Though Muralitharan was able to deceive most batsman with his stock deliveries, former West Indies batter Brian Lara left him in deep waters.

According to Muralitharan, Lara ?had brilliant hand-eye coordinati??on that helped the latter adjust to deliveries easily.

“I think, of all the batsmen in the world, he plays my bowling better than anyone else, including Sachin Tendulkar. His eyesight and hand co-ordination is very good and he’s able to adjust very quickly to very good deliveries,” the veteran spinner revealed.

Brett Lee- Jacques Kallis

Former Australian pacer Brett Lee was one of the b?est proponents of speed that the world of cricket ever witnessed. He could bowl yorkers as well as bouncers when required.

Lee ended up as the sixth most successful Aussie bowler in Test matches, bagging 310 scalps. The Wollongong-born named India’s Sachin Tendulkar, West Indies Brian Lara and South Africa’s Jacques Kallis as the batters who gave him a hard time.

Lee stated that while Sachin had extra time while facing a fast delivery, Lara could ??hit the same ball in different directions. For Kallis, Lee opined that he was a complete cricketer as the veteran all-rounder could bat in the top order as well as open the bowling for his team.

Anil Kumble- Brian Lara

Former Indian spinner Anil Kumble is remembered ??for his persistence to send the opposition batter back to the pavilion. With 619 wickets to his name, Kumble is the third-highest wicket-taker in the his?tory of Test cricket.

Kumble once divulged that former West Indies skipper Brian Lara was the hardest batsman to bowl at since the latter could play four shots for the same ??delivery.

“Many batsmen who were very difficult to bowl at. But Brian Lara was probably at the top. He had four different shots to every delivery that you bowled and that was the biggest challenge, you thought you could beat him, you would get him but then he would change his stroke and sort of tap you through the third man,” Kumble? stated in an in??terview with Pommie Mbangwa.

Jofra Archer- KL Rahul

England pacer Jofra Archer has been the mainstay for his side since 2019. The 26-year-old speedster had also featured in Wisden Cricketers of the year list in the same year.

Known for his rhythm and pace, Archer has bamboozled batters all over the world, but his rampage stops when it comes to India’s KL Rahul.

Archer revealed in an interview that the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 Orange Cap holder?? had got the better of ?him on most occasions.

“There is no one else he has found difficult to bowl to, not even Virat Kohli or Suresh Raina, two of the most successful batsmen in the tournament. It is just KL Rahul who had probably got the better of him on most occasions,” Archer enunciated.

Shoaib Akhtar- Rahul Dravid

Former Pakistan seamer Shoaib Akhtar is one of the fastest that the game has e??ver witnessed. Akhtar is said to have clocked over 160 kmph twice.

Yet one cannot the fiery spells of Akhtar to Indian batter Rahul Dravid, who used to defend the former’s red hot deliveries, thus ending the colossal run-ups in vain.

Akhtar argued in an interview that Dravid used to ‘bore’ him, and the veteran pacer knew that he would have to field two more sessions when ‘The Wall’ was on the field.

“The biggest nightmare I ever faced was Rahul Dravid. He used to bore me. He was the first batsman who could intimidate me, in terms of when he walked in. I knew I would have to field for at least two sessions more,” Akhtar said about Dravid in an interview.

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Former Australian speedster Mitchell Johnson was widely famous for his extreme pace and unbearable bouncers during his active days of playing cricket. Apart from the bowling skills, Johnson is also popular for his sense of humour which fans get to see even after his ??cricketing days as he is often seen using it on social media platforms.

On Monday, Johnson trolled his former teammate David Warner after the latter attempted the ‘Flick the Switch’ challenge. This TikTok challenge involves two people instantly switching outfits to Drake’s song “Nonstop.”

Warner posted a video on Instagram in which he is seen in his Australian jersey, holding a bat, while his wife Candice can be seen paddling the surfboard, but soon the couple switch and Candice gets into her husband’s outfit, whereas Warner paddles in his wife’s costume.

Candice also shared a picture of ?herself with Warner in which the couple has reversed their roles.

She captioned the photo: “Switching it up on a Monday. @davidwarner31 looking the goods in my old racing costume.”

As soon as she posted the image, several fans and followers replied to the post, and some acted surprised while some shared a laugh. Johnson also couldn’t resist himself from commenting, but he decided to troll Warner and responded with a humourous remark.

“It’s very aggressive in the front area,” wrote Johnson.

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Former Australian pacer Mitchell Johnson, recently grabbed the headlines when he took a jibe at Indian captain Virat Kohli through his Instagram story. As per some media reports, during the second Test, Kohli was heard shouting: “Jab India mein yeh log aayengey, tab dikha doonga (When they will come to India, we will show them).”

Johnson posted a picture of Kohli along with his comments. The 38-year-old also wrote, “This gave me a laugh” alongside a laughing emoji in his post.

After mocking the Indian skipper, Johnson trolled England, and specifically, Ben Stokes. Joe Root, recently announced that English players wouldn’t shake hands on their upcoming tour of Sri Lanka over coronavirus threat.

Meanwhile, the Townsville-born speedster posted an Instagram story in which he ?took a dig at Ben ??Stokes regarding his brawl in Bristol, which took place in 2017.

Johnson wrote, “Is this a p*** take? You can jam your fist pump England hahaha just be careful though, Stokesy might react with a sucker punch.”

However, the England all-rounder was quick to respond and took a few lines of Barmy Army’s (a group of fans who support England cricket team) famous song, which troubled Johnson way too much during 2010-11 Ashes.

Stokes took to Twitter and used one of the lines of the song- “Bowls to the left bowls to the right I wonder if big bad Mitch likes Marmite.”

It is believed that the Barmy Army troubled Johnson ??a lot through this song. They mocked his haircut, personal life, bowling, and his attitude.

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J??oh?nson even admitted in his autobiography that the constant sledging by the Barmy Army through the song really bothered him.

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After mocking Indian skipper Virat Kohli for one of the statements he m??ade during play in New Zealand, former Australian fast bowler, Mitchell Johnson turned to the English cricket tea??m to satisfy his contemptuous desire.

England’s Test captain Joe Root recently stated about cricketers be??ing reluctant to shake hands, due ??to the scare of Coronavirus.

Many sporting events in Europe are either rescheduled or played in front of an empty stadium, to reduce the risk of transmission th??rough public gatherings.

“After the illnesses that swept through the squad in South Africa, we are well aware of the importance of keeping contact to a minimum, and we’ve been given some really sound and sensi?ble advice from our medical team to help prev?ent spreading germs and bacteria,�Joe Root commented.

“We are not shaking hands with each other, using the well-est??ablished fist bump instead, a??nd we are washing hands regularly and wiping down surfaces using the anti-bacterial wipes and gels we’ve been given in our immunity packs,�added the English skipper.

However, Johnson took it as an opportunity to make fun of Australia’s arch-rivals, b??y posting a scre?enshot of the article.

His captions took jibes at Ben Stokes as well as the English cricket team by stating, “Is this a p*ss-take? You can jam your fist pump England. Just be careful though Stokesy might react with a sucker punch.�/p>

Stokes, back in 2017, was involved in ??a brawl outsid?e a pub in Bristol, which led to his arrest and criminal charges, which was settled by UK courts later.

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Former Australian fast bowler, Mitchell Johnson, recently mocked Indian skipper Virat Kohli’s statement during play at ?Christchurch again?st New Zealand.

India was at the cusp of a 2-nil whitewash when Virat? mentioned about seeking revenge for the humiliating losses agains??t New Zealand, when they tour back to India, in his mother tongue.

The statement was hear??d through one of the stump mics placed at the pitch. Johnson, an old foe of Kohli during his playing days, was left at splits, lau??ghing at the comment from the Indian skipper.

“This made me laugh,” captioned one of the stories of Johnson on Instagram, with one of the articles on Kohli regarding his statement in the background, and melancholy music attached to it.

The tiffs between Kohli and Johnson goes back to the Indian tour of A?ustralia ?in 2014. During the Adelaide Test, Johnson, on his follow-through, hit Kohli on his arms with his throw at the stumps.

Down with pain, Kohli brushed himself up and gave a mouthful to Johnson and asked the left-arm pacer to try to hit the stump instead, from the next t??ime.

Kohli, in his usual aggressive style, let the bat do the talking, smashed back-to-back to?ns in the same Test match. His ef??forts brought India at the cusp of victory.

However, his outing in New Zealand during the ???????????????????????????tour has been a forgetful one. Kohli managed to score lesser than his horrid tour of England in 2014 in aggregate across all formats in the recent NZ tour.

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