Johnson has Lillee’s backing – Cricket News Update
Legendary Australian pacer, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/MG-Johnson-c1945’s ability to bring added variety into his bowling, a practice which according to the ex-fast bowler will help him cement a regular place in the Test lineup.
Johnson was a surprise inclusion into the final Test against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/John-Wayne-Hastings-c68914.
That ploy worked well for the hosts as they bundled out the Proteas on a lowly first innings score of 225. The left-arm pacer had his fair share of moments, where he troubled the opponents with sheer pace, and further picked out http://www.senore.com/Cricket/DW-Steyn-c1409 as his first two Test scalps in over a year.
While he bowled with his usual aggression, his measured approach allowed him greater control on his line and length. His involvement with the national team was unforeseen after he suffered a foot injury against the same opposition at Johannesburg last year, where his confidence was also at an all time low.
He however, gradually made himself prominent in the eyes of the selectors, which included a promising start to the ongoing domestic season for http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Western-Australia-c865. Moreover, he worked with Lillee during his darkest days where the former pacer helped him alter his game and adjust to the demands of his aging body. The results have been positive so far, and Lillee was keen to praise the 31-year-old for learning quickly.
"He's finally decided that he's going to that second phase as a fast bowler and that's one that he's not going to blast guys out," Lillee told ABC Radio.
"He's going to bowl some variety, he's going to concentrate on a really good line and length and sort of play that support role a bit more. I thought the way he's bowled so far in (the Sheffield) Shield and the way he bowled in this Test is an indication that he's on song with all that, and he's happy in his mind about that. "
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