adminEngland have 13 days to lick their wounds and find a way to repel the irresistible force that is Mitchell Johnson after the Australia fast bowler’s sensational return to cricket inspired his side to a landslide 112-run victory in the Tri-Series final.
Johnson, England’s nemesis during last winter’s Ashes whitewash, reopened wounds from that drubbing with figures of three for 27 from seven overs in his first game this year following injury and personal issues. But there seemed little wrong with Johnson’s body or mind on his home ground of the Waca when he neutered England’s pursuit of 279 with a golden spell which saw him take three wickets in ten balls.
There is little time for England’s batsmen to recover, with Australia and Johnson again the opponents for their World Cup opener in Melbourne on February 14. Yet the result should come as no great surprise.
Despite a couple of wins against India which secured their place in the Tri-series final, England came into this contest as massive underdogs having lost both their previous matches against the Australians in Sydney and Hobart. The presence of Johnson in the home dressing-room would have had English hearts ticking a beat or two faster. The 33-year-old fast bowler had destroyed England in last winter’s Ashes series, taking 37 wickets at 13.97 as Australia completed a 5-0 whitewash. — The Guardian
Online Reporter
Londile Moyo