Mitchell Johnson advises Australia forward of 1st Test in opposition to India: Expect a flat pitch in Nagpur

Former pacer Mitchell Johnson believes that batting first will give the Australians one of the best likelihood of profitable the upcoming Test sequence in India.

New Delhi,UPDATED: Feb 6, 2023 09:44 IST

Indians will not concern every other Australian spinner besides Lyon: Mitchell Johnson (AFP Photo)

By India Today Web Desk: Former Australian pacer Mitchell Johnson believes that if the Pat Cummins-led facet can bat first a few instances within the upcoming Test sequence, they’ll put Rohit Sharma’s Team India below stress by registering respectable first innings totals. Johnson additionally named veteran spinner Nathan Lyon because the guests’ solely notable spin bowler.

Australia will face India in a four-Test sequence starting on Thursday, February 9 in Nagpur. Pat Cummins and firm face a tough take a look at, as they’ve but to win a sequence on Indian soil, having solely received one Test of their earlier 4 makes an attempt.

“If the Aussies can bat first a couple of times early in the series, at venues which are expected to take a fair bit of spin, and get good first-innings totals on the board, that will put a bit of pressure back onto India. The Aussies have taken over four spinners and while the Indians would respect Nathan Lyon’s experience and Test record, they wouldn’t be fearing any of them. Indian batsmen use their feet well and hit spin very correctly,” Johnson wrote in his column for The West Australian.

Back in 2008, India defeated Australia by 172 runs in Nagpur. Johnson, together with Brett Lee, led the Australian tempo assault on the time. In the Nagpur Test, the previous Australian speedster solely took one wicket. However, his former teammate Jason Krejza emerged because the standout bowler, taking 12 wickets.

“Australia will play a Test in Nagpur this week for the first time since 2008 when Jason Krejza took 12 wickets. Expect a pitch that is very flat early and without any grass. There won’t be much swing either and it will be very tough work for the quicks. Lyon with his ability to find extra bounce should like bowling in a Test in Nagpur for the first time,” Johnson added.

Published On:

Feb 6, 2023