It's safari so good for big-name hunter Johnson
Email Printer friendly version Normal font Large font March 17, 2009
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GLENN McGRATH, Richard Hadlee, Curtly Ambrose, Malcolm Marshall - Mitchell Johnson has taken more wickets in his first 20 Tests than any of them. He's bowling ambitiously, viciously.
His status as the most electrifying fast bowler in the world is beyond dispute. His standing in the big picture is becoming more clear. He's trumped his opposite number, South African Dale Steyn, in every department during the first two Tests, light years ahead in the wickets column and the fear factor generated. Entering the third Test, starting at Newlands on Thursday, South Africa have Graeme Smith's broken finger and Jacques Kallis's facial stitches as reminders of Johnson's ferocious capabilities.
Twenty Tests are enough to draw comparisons. Johnson has 90 wickets. McGrath had 80. Hadlee a mere 76. Marshall, whom veteran scribes believe to be the greatest speedster of them all when firing, had 70. Ambrose, whom veteran batsmen claim to be the finest of the lot when in the mood, which wasn't every day, had 80. Among the few to have claimed more wickets than Johnson in their first 20 Tests include his mentor, Dennis Lillee (91), blood-on-a-pitch aficionado Jeff Thomson (94) and South Africa's Allan Donald (95).
The Proteas' Ashwell Prince has made it clear he doesn't want to open at Newlands. He will be forced to do so, joined at the top of the order by Test rookie Imraan Khan. Johnson is salivating. Fresh meat.
Will Swanton
Will be an interesting third test to see how SA respond to being two nil down at home. Also reports here of tension between the SA team and adminstators (quoting Smith as the source).