Mitchell Johnson: What he said, really meant and definitely didn’t

Mitchell Johnson

What he said:

“I’ve been trying to hit as straight as possible instead of hitting across the line. So I’m not going to apologise, but hopefully I didn’t hurt anyone up there.”

Mitchell Johnson is unapologetic for shattering the safety glass pane of the television broadcast box at the Harare Sports Club.

Johnson scored 20 in Australia’s 350-6 against Zimbabwe.

Johnson added:

“I thought it was going to hit, and I was just wondering what it was going to do.I didn’t see it shatter, I just saw some of the commentators brushing away a bit of glass, so it was a good thing it didn’t shatter everywhere and the ball didn’t go through.

I think another window up here (outside the players’ dressing room) had that shattered look to it, and I’m glad no-one got injured out of it.

But it was a good feeling.

I didn’t see the first ball that was bowled to me from the other end, I was just trying to adjust to being out in the middle again but that one felt really nice, right out of the middle.”

The other shattered window Johnson  referred to was broken by West Indian Chris Gayle in a T20 fixture several years ago.

Johnson laughed:

“I’m happy to be compared to Chris Gayle. He’s obviously a pretty powerful guy, so if you want to compare me to him that’s fine.”

What he really meant:

“I’m a straight-shooting kind of guy. I bowl straight and fast; I’d like to bat the same way too.”

What he definitely didn’t:

“I’m gunning for the commentators. Would they like to step out and face a few of my lethal deliveries? If not with the bat, then with the red cherry.”