Australia are set to take on South Africa in the first of three Test matches to be played against the Proteas and according to one Australian coach, the home side will have to contend with an even better version of Mitchell Johnson.
Johnson revived his Test career in ridiculous fashion during the December and January Ashes series by securing 37 wickets (and Man of the Series honours) in Australia’s 5-0 sweep of the visiting Poms. Now, on the eve of Australia’s latest challenge against the world’s No.1 Test side, bowling coach Craig McDermott says Johnson is nearing another level.
McDermott claims Johnson’s bowling in an intra-squad match last week was better than that on display during the Ashes campaign.
“At Wanderers the other day, he bowled a little bit better than he did in Australia, particularly with the late swing he’s getting here,” said McDermott ahead of the first Test to be played in Centurion.
“The ball he bowled Chris Rogers was something I’ve very rarely seen in my 35 years of cricket.
“It was going towards leg stump and knocked over his off stump. It swung unbelievably late.
“He bowled a number of balls like that at the Wanderers the other day.”
Ironically, Johnson is returning to same country where his Test career took a stumble, but he’s on pace to join Australia’s illustrious 250-wicket club in South Africa.
“He knows his game very well, and his accuracy is brilliant at the minute, it has been all summer,” was McDermott’s scouting report of Johnson’s current form.
“And he really understands where his wrist position is, with his alignment though the crease, he really believes in himself so he’s the full package.
The Centurion pitch is expected to lend similar results to those traditionally seen at the Gabba and the visitors will be looking to nab just the second win from international opponents at the oval from 19 Test attempts.
The second Test will begin February 20 at Port Elizabeth and the third on March 1 in Cape Town.
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