| Player: | MG Johnson |
At 189cm, he has the height to worry batsmen and is intent on scaring them as well. Mitchell Johnson is Australia's most exciting fast-bowling prospect since Brett Lee. Alongwith having all other traits of fast bowlers, athleticism, ability to bowl seam and swing, as well as quick, plus he is a left-armer, which means a greater variety to the attack.
Injuries have been effecting his career time and again but he somehow managed to play the full season in 2004-05 and based on some good performances, got selected for Australia A's tour of Pakistan. By December 2005, he had made it to the Australian one-day squad for the final match of the Chappell-Hadlee Series. After sterling performances in the 2005-06 Bangladesh tour, he was given a full Cricket Australia contract.
Trips to Malaysia and India proved Johnsons abilities as he scalped biggies including Tendulkar, Dravid, Lara and Pietersen. Despite being the 12th man on a number of occasions, his off-field work ethic was a major factor in securing a 2007 World Cup place. Test opportunities finally came at the start of 2007-08 and he bowled well throughout the cricketing summer against India and Sri Lanka.
After a lengthy introduction to the set-up through the one-day system, Johnson was finally given a Test after spending the entire 2006-07 Ashes series as 12th man. Eight wickets in his opening two games against Sri Lanka showed proof of his potential and his useful variety, but by the end of his maiden season questions surrounded his lack of control and ability for regular penetration. Ricky Ponting relied on Johnson throughout the summer, giving him long spells, often with the new ball, and he rarely went an innings without a wicket. Having started with 34 victims in nine Tests, he has strong statistical grounds to build on over the next couple of years. A half-century against India at the WACA showed his smooth batting skills.