First Test: Johnson demolishes SA in Centurion

Speedster claims 12 wickets in the match to steer Australia to a win.

Mitchell Johnson did his growing reputation no harm by destroying South Africa for the second time in the match as Australia recorded a 281 runs win in the first test in Centurion.

The hosts chasing a target of 482 were sent packing for 200 runs as the Johnson juggernaut rolled on relentlessly.

The Proteas were bowled out inside 60 overs in their second innings after Australia declared their second innings at 290 for four at the start of play on what turned out to be the final day of the match.

The opening pair for the hosts Graeme Smith and Alviro Petersen perished early with Smith falling to a spectacular catch by Alex Doolan.

AB de Villiers was the only batsman to face Johnson and the rest of the Australian bowling line-up with any degree of confidence; he scored 48 runs to follow his first innings score of 91.

The middle-order batsman found scant support from the other end as wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals on a wicket which was proving to be a real examination for the batsmen with the uneven bounce.

Vernon Philander scored 26 quick runs, but his contribution only delayed the inevitable for a few minutes. Johnson returned figures of 12 for 127 to follow up his brilliant performance in the Ashes against England.

The left-arm pacer was incredibly quick and hostile and caused enormous problems for the hosts. The South African captain Smith admitted after the match that his team was thoroughly outplayed.

“It’s very disappointing. We’ve been out-played from word go, probably one of the most disappointing four days we’ve had as a team.” Smith stated.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 16^th, 2014.

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