JOHNSON'S SWANSONG

Mitchell Johnson's swansong lights up tame draw

 •  Published on
Johnson ends his career with 313 Test wickets, the third-highest in Australias history behind legends Shane Warne, Dennis Lillee and Glenn McGrath.
Johnson ends his career with 313 Test wickets, the third-highest in Australias history behind legends Shane Warne, Dennis Lillee and Glenn McGrath. © Cricbuzz

It wasn't quite the fairytale ending, but Mitchell Johnson provided a few final indelible moments to cap off a memorable international career in style on Tuesday (November 17). New Zealand ended the second Test at the WACA in Perth on 104 for 2 chasing an unlikely 321 from 48 overs. Play was called off after 28 overs due to bad light.

Johnson finished with 2 for 20 from the final six overs of his career, producing a barrage of bumpers reminiscent of his frightening best to end his career in trademark style. A result was never likely, but Johnson ensured those willing to brave the elements a send-off to remember.

Johnson ends his career with 313 Test wickets, the third-highest in Australia's history behind legends Shane Warne, Dennis Lillee and Glenn McGrath.

New Zealand made a steady start until Johnson came on to bowl in the seventh over. Unlike his disastrous first innings display, perhaps testament to feeling relieved and with the small WACA crowd finding its collective voice, Johnson bowled with far more accuracy and hostility. He bowled a maiden immediately but rain, a rarity in Perth this time of year, halted play for an hour, frustrating fans hoping for an exciting finish and a few more memorable Johnson moments.

Despite a rain delay lasting 90 minutes, only two overs were lost, and on resumption, Johnson revived memories of his inimitable best. Perhaps thanks to a blessing from the cricket gods, the pitch started to play tricks and Johnson notably was able to extract significant bounce. Eventually, his brutal bounce was too hot to handle for Tom Latham and Martin Guptill, New Zealand's openers, who fended a vicious lifter straight to Joe Burns at short leg. It was a delivery that harked back the very best of Johnson, and momentarily, there was hope he could magically produce a victory from seemingly nowhere.

Johnson took 2 for 8 from his first five overs, but New Zealand eventually steadied thanks to their first innings heroes Ross Taylor (36 not out) and Kane Williamson (32 not out).

Australia started the day looking for quick runs in a bid to set New Zealand a tricky chase and have enough time to push for victory. But their quest was halted when captain Steve Smith (138) was out early nicking a pitched up delivery from Trent Boult. Unlike their ragged efforts for most of the series, New Zealand bowled with accuracy in the first session stifling Australias desire to push for victory. Boult and Tim Southee were in great rhythm and the runs considerably slowed down after Smith's dismissal.

Adam Voges, who memorably celebrated his debut century on home soil late on day four, was unable to continue his momentum in the opening session. He added 18 runs until being trapped in front by Southee. Voges (119) challenged the call but the DRS confirmed the ball was going to hit the stumps. It led to the man of the moment walking out to bat for the last time. Johnson received a standing ovation from the smallish crowd and, in typically gracious sportsmanship, a guard of honour from New Zealand. After a handshake from Brendon McCullum, Johnson survived Southee early and in trademark fashion: his first five scoring shots were fours.

Johnson, who sporadically showcased his belligerent ability with the bat throughout his career, couldnt produce a fairytale with the willow. He fell for 29 when he under edged a pull shot off a rising delivery from Southee. Once again, the crowd collectively rose and Johnson waved his bat for the final time in Test cricket.

Mitchell Starc (28 not out from 16 balls) with some late hitting enabled Smith to declare, wary of the showers that were on their way.

Taylor was named Man of the Match after his record-breaking 290 in the first innings.

Until Johnson's retirement news broke, truth be told, the Test was quite a disappointment. Like so many other matches in his career, Johnson single-handedly energised a staid contest. For all the records broken, Johnson will be the enduring memory from this Test.

Australia lead the series 1-0 with the Third and final Test to start in Adelaide on November 27.

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