Johnson keen to open the batting
Cricinfo staff
October 23, 2009
Mitchell Johnson has set his sights on one day opening the batting for Australia in Twenty20 or ODI cricket as his all-round talents continue to impress. Johnson scored his first Test hundred in Cape Town this year and was a valuable striker at the Champions Trophy, where his thumping 73 from 47 balls saved Australia's blushes against a second-string West Indies.
"I know it is a big call but I wouldn't mind opening the batting in one-day or Twenty20 cricket," Johnson told the Daily Telegraph. "I would quite enjoy it. It would be hard as we have so many great players in the side but if there was ever an opportunity I would definitely put my hand up to bat higher. I think batting No.8 in Tests is okay for the moment."
Johnson has never batted higher than No. 8 in a one-day international but he said that during the Champions Trophy, he was often preparing to be a potential pinch-hitter. It seems only a matter of time before he will be get a chance to move up the order and take advantage of the one-day fielding restrictions.
"There were times in the one-day series when I padded up early for Powerplays," he said. "It was scary as I had never done it before. It is something I reckon I would enjoy."
Johnson is embarking on the limited-overs tour of India with a thirst for wickets, having thrived there during the 2007-08 series, when he topped the wicket tally with 14 at 18.57. He is keen to return to his fast, fearsome style after an up-and-down few months.
"I look at the wickets I got in the past and I was unpredictable," Johnson said. "I was trying to be too perfect with my line and length in England but guys like Michael Clarke and Ricky Ponting say just bowl fast.
"The prime example is Shaun Tait. He is unpredictable and fast. He will occasionally bowl wide balls but will get wickets. I guess you learn your role. I went through that stage where I was thinking about swinging the ball so much that I stopped swinging it. If I swing the ball it is a bonus."
