Johnson says India’s aggressive tactics from Brisbane backfired, and he’d be happy for tourists to go hard at him on Friday…
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Australia paceman Mitchell Johnson says he enjoyed the verbal barrage he received from India during the Brisbane Test as it helped him concentrate on his batting.
Johnson walked out to the centre at the Gabba with Australia battling at 7/246, still 161 runs behind India’s score of 408.
Rohit Sharma exchanged a few words with Johnson, but the sledging backfired as the Australian smashed 88 runs off just 93 balls.
Johnson told reporters in Melbourne that India’s aggressive tactics had helped him deal with the pressure of guiding Australia out of its perilous position and back into contention.
“It took my mind off the game, which was a good thing because I wasn’t focused on the scoreboard,” Johnson said.
“I was able to go out there and play my shots. I wanted to play with good intent.
“I had a bit of a throw down (before play) and it wasn’t quite the session I wanted. Then to go out there and cop it from a few of their boys, it just played into our hands.
“I was able to play my game and not worry about anything.”
The third Test begins on Friday at the MCG.
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