Former Australian pacer Mitchell Johnson, who was widely known for sending shiver down the spine of batsmen, has been elected as an honorary member of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC).
The announcement was made by the club on Sunday during the second Ashes Test which ended in a tense draw at Lord’s.
MCC has today announced the election of former @CricketAus bowler, Mitchell Johnson, as an Honorary Life Member of the Club.#Ashes
— Lord’s Cricket Ground (@HomeOfCricket) August 18, 2019
“It’s an absolutely amazing feeling and I never thought I’d be sitting here at Lord’s as an honorary life member. It’s just blown me away,” said Johnson.
“It’s nice to be recognised by MCC. I am really honoured and really proud to be in this position right now.”
See Mitchell Johnson expressing his excitement:
🗣”Being at Lord’s and to be a Honorary Member has blown me away”
Mitchell Johnson couldn’t hide his delight when given his MCC Honorary Life Membership today. pic.twitter.com/KEBYghrnVa
— Lord’s Cricket Ground (@HomeOfCricket) August 18, 2019
Johnson, who made his Test debut in 2007, claimed 313 wickets at an average of 28.40 in 73 Test matches for Australia.
He became one of the most feared fast bowlers in the world and his prowess for terrifying batsmen was evident during the 2013-14 season, when he took 59 wickets in eight Tests against England and South Africa.
The left-arm bowling spearhead was particularly devastating during the Ashes of that year, in which Australia recorded only the fourth Ashes whitewash in history.
Meanwhile, Johnson didn’t fail to impress in white-ball cricket and took 239 wickets in 153 ODIs and 38 wickets in his 30 T20Is.
Talking about the ongoing Ashes, Australia lead the series 1-0 after the second match was marred by rain and eventually resulted in a draw.
(With inputs from IANS)