Mitchell Johnson is a former Australian cricketer who is widely regarded as one of the fastest bowlers of his generation. He played for the Australian national cricket team from 2005 to 2015 and had a significant impact on the game during his career. Let's delve into the detailed cricket history of Mitchell Johnson.
Early Career:
Mitchell Johnson was born in Townsville, Queensland, Australia, on November 2, 1981. He started playing cricket at a young age and quickly progressed through the domestic cricket ranks. Johnson made his first-class debut for Queensland in the 2001–2002 season, and in November 2005, he made his international debut for Australia..
International Debut:
Johnson made his worldwide presentation in a one-day global in Christchurch against New Zealand. Everyone was impressed by his raw pace and ability to swing the ball. He made an immediate impression, taking three wickets for just 39 runs in his ten overs.
Rise to Prominence:
Johnson's left-arm pace, combined with his ability to generate bounce and swing, made him a formidable force in international cricket. He established himself as a regular member of the Australian team and played a crucial role in many memorable victories.
Ashes Success:
One of the highlights of Johnson's career came during the 2013-2014 Ashes series held in Australia. He terrorized the English batsmen with his fiery pace and hostile bowling. In the first Test at Brisbane, Johnson took 9 wickets and scored vital runs with the bat, earning him the Man of the Match award. He continued his devastating form throughout the series, picking up a total of 37 wickets at an average of 13.97 and played a significant role in Australia's 5-0 whitewash of England.
ICC Awards:
Mitchell Johnson's outstanding performances in the 2013-2014 season earned him several prestigious awards. He was named the ICC Cricketer of the Year and also won the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for the ICC Test Player of the Year in 2014.
World Cup Success:
Johnson's prowess was not limited to Test cricket alone. He also played a crucial role in Australia's triumph in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 held in Australia and New Zealand. He was the leading wicket-taker of the tournament, taking 21 wickets in 9 matches. His hostile fast bowling was instrumental in Australia's success, and he played a significant role in their victory in the final against New Zealand.
Retirement:
After battling injuries and a loss of form, Johnson announced his retirement from international cricket in November 2015, following the conclusion of the Test series against New Zealand. He finished his career with 313 wickets in 73 Tests, 239 wickets in 153 ODIs, and 38 wickets in 30 T20Is.
Legacy:
Mitchell Johnson's aggressive and intimidating style of fast bowling left a lasting impact on the game. He was known for his express pace, unplayable bouncers, and the ability to swing the ball at high speeds. His performances in the Ashes series and the Cricket World Cup established him as one of the most feared fast bowlers of his era.
Off the field, Johnson is also recognized for his philanthropy work. He has been involved in initiatives like the 'Mitchell Johnson Foundation,' which aims to support and empower children and families facing challenges.
Overall, Mitchell Johnson's cricket history is characterized by his blistering pace, lethal bowling, and memorable performances in some of the most high-profile cricketing events. His contributions to the Australian team and the sport as a whole have earned him a place among the great fast bowlers in cricket history.
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