Ashes series: Mitchell Johnson says “I think he’s trying to fool his own mind”

Mitchell Johnson, a former Australian sprinter, responded to England captain Joe Root’s declaration that the Gabba is no longer a fortress for the hosts. Mitchell Johnson replied by claiming that Root has become overconfident as a result of India’s success in Brisbane in January.

India stunned Australia this year, ending the hosts’ 32-year Test winning streak at the Gabba. The tourists chased down 329 for a sad three-wicket loss on the final day of the Test. In 1986, England, on the other hand, won the venue’s final Test match.

Mitchell Johnson, speaking to Wide World of Sports, stated that India’s triumph should not be seen the same way for England. Despite Root’s assertions, the 40-year-old believes the venue will remain their stronghold.

“Maybe he’s trying to trick his own mind into thinking that because India played well there that they should be okay. But I think he’s trying to fool his own mind. It’s still a stronghold from our point of view, from an Australian (point of view). Even from the perspective of someone just watching the game, who hasn’t played in a while, you know the Gabba’s hot.” He said

In an exclusive interview with the Guardian, Root, who will play his third Ashes series in Australia, stated that India’s victory gives England plenty of confidence to repeat the feat in the first Test of the 2021-22 Ashes series.

England could fancy their chances, according to the No. 1 Test batter, if they win important portions of the game like India did.

Mitchell Johnson

The blazing heat, Mitchell Johnson added, makes it difficult for the visiting teams. Regardless of the circumstances, the Queenslander stated

“You always cramp in that first Test match. It doesn’t matter if you’re an experienced player or not and you get yourself prepared the best you can. You tend to find, especially if you’re a bowler and if you’re batting for a long time, you will cramp there.” he said

“The ground’s a bit softer, the pitch is hard, so you go from soft to hard, then you’ve got the heat, the humidity. If it rains there, you’ve got to deal with the moisture coming out of the ground, as well. So you’re feeling all that stuff. It definitely plays into Australia’s hands. So that’s why it’s one of the best places to start a Test series for Australia.” He added

During the 2013-14 Ashes series in Australia, Johnson tormented the Englishmen. With the help of some hostile bowling, the left-arm quick claimed 37 wickets at 13.97 in five Tests. In that leg, Australia defeated England 5-0 to reclaim the urn.

Read more: Ashes Series: Mitchell Johnson says “I believe he is deceiving himself”

Visit also: IPL 2022 Auction: Irfan Pathan says “Same franchise supported him when his own country banned him”

Play Rummy Online with Dafabet

Let’s play and Register now!