Former Australia pacer Mitchell Johnson has slammed the Indian team's tactics during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Johnson criticized India for trying to intimidate Australian debutants, saying the strategy backfired as Australia sealed the series 3-1.
Mitchell Johnson points out that India's attempts to capitalize on rookies' inexperience have rattled them, but young players like Sam Constellation and Bo Webster have been in trouble in the recent 2024-25 Border Gavaskar Showed remarkable composure in the cup and performed well under pressure.
Mitchell Johnson slams India's failed attempt to break Australia's Sam Constellation and Bo Webster
The former pacer also pointed out that India's plan is not only to test the technical ability of newcomers such as Sam Constellation and Bo Webster but also to challenge their mental toughness, aiming to make them feel comfortable on the big stage. Isolated and vulnerable.
Also Read: Ajit Agarkar orders final call on Virat Kohli’s future, showcases his poor Test numbers
Johnson highlighted how the Indians were focused on creating an intimidating atmosphere, but their efforts ultimately failed as Australia's young stars thrived in the high-stakes environment, becoming stronger and more resilient and helping Australia recaptured BGT after more than a decade.
Their efforts didn't really pay off: Mitchell Johnson
Mitchell Johnson, writing in his column in the Evening Post, said: “The Indian team appears to have embraced a '2 against 11' mentality in the middle order, with the aim of isolating and pressuring the Australian batsmen. The focus is not just on testing technical skills , it’s also about the challenge of mental toughness that is crucial in Test cricket, but their efforts don’t really pay off.
Tensions have risen during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Sydney, with Australia head coach Andrew McDonald accusing India of trying to intimidate Sam Konstas. Later, India head coach Gautam Gambhir dismissed the claim, saying there was no reason for Constaz to be involved in the discussions between Jasprit Bumrah and Usman Khawaja.
Also Read: India vs Australia or Ashes? Michael Vaughan names cricket's greatest rival
Mitchell Johnson backs Sam Konstas to support Usman Khawaja against Jasprit Bumrah at SCG
However, Mitchell Johnson backed Constas to defend teammate Usman Khawaja but felt India and Australia could have handled the situation more calmly in the New Year's Test at the SCG. The former fiery pacer also feels that senior Australian players should guide the newcomers in dealing with such high-pressure situations.
Johnson further stated, “I appreciate what Constaz is doing by supporting his teammates, but now is just the wrong time to make this kind of contact. At the end of the day, there can only be one winner. This highlights the commitment to the team.” A key aspect of bringing in new players: they need guidance from experienced teammates on how to handle various scenarios in the game's dynamics.
It is worth noting that Sam Konstas vs. Jasprit Bumrah during the first innings of Australia’s final Test match at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) As they talked, tensions rose. The Indian pacer was frustrated with Usman Khawaja's alleged delay in the match before the end.
In the same over, Bumrah dismissed Khawaja before he and his Indian teammates walked towards Konstas to express their frustration. However, Bumrah was unable to bowl due to back spasms in the second innings and India lost to Australia by six wickets.
Source link
