Mitchell Johnson off the long run: Aussie quick embraces running battle with Indian media

Mitchell Johnson is as fearsome with a tweet as he ever was with a new ball in his hand, as proven by his lively feud with India which erupted this week — while Tim Paine has again starred with his stump mic sledging.

Australian cricketer Mitchell Johnson has taken aim at the Indian media. Picture: Getty

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Former Aussie quick Mitchell Johnson has endured a running battle with the Indian media this series and it didn’t let up on Boxing Day.

The Times of India stitched him up before the game, trying to pass off a conversation Johnson had at the back of the press box in Perth, where he was doing TV and radio work, as an interview.

Johnson hit back via Twitter, declaring he never sat down with the journalist.

Don’t mess with Mitch.... Johnson has ignited a feud with India’s media this week. Picture: Getty

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The former Aussie firebrand had already penned a column in which he said Indian captain Virat Kohli got away with his on-field behaviour “because he’s Virat Kohli”, which put him in the bad books.

Then when he tweeted a picture of a road on Boxing Day, referring to the horror MCG pitch, an exchanged with responders got him in more trouble.

With is tongue firmly in his cheek, Johnson said Kohli should retire if he didn’t get a century.

Cue the Times of India to jump all over it, putting an article on their website entitled Mitchell Johnson asks Virat Kohli to retire if he fails to score a century at MCG”.

Johnson did his best to try and explain what a joke was, but if fell on deaf Indian ears.

Mitchell Johnson (L) and Virat Kohli (C) clashed on the field as opponents. Picture:Wayne Ludbey

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Tim Paine is continuing to be worthwhile listening behind the stumps.

Just before lunch, as Indian wall Cheteshwar Pujara walked down the pitch, filling in time to ensure it was the last over, Paine piped up.

“He’s going to pay half my fine,” the skipper quipped to umpire Ian Gould, as the over rate slowed.

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Then nearing tea. and trying to lure Indian batsmen Rohit Sharma in to a big shot off Nathan Lyon, the talk turned to the Indian Premier League, and a chat with Aaron Finch at short-leg.

“It’s always been a toss up for me between the (Rajasthan) Royals and the (Mumbai) Indians who I support,” Paine said, knowing Sharma was an Indians stalwart.

“If Rohit hits a six now I am changing to Mumbai.”

Sharma didn’t, but the conversation with Finch continued in the next over, as Paine sledged his opener.

“The scariest two overs I faced in Shield cricket last year was from you,” Paine said.

Finch replied “yeah, because you wouldn’t want to get out”.

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The flat pitch served up at the MCG was the last thing Australia needed to hand this Indian batting line-up.

Six players in the Indian team have a first class triple century to their name. It’s the first time in history a Test team has boasted that many players that have reached 300.

Openers Hanuma Vihari and Mayank Agarwal have top scores of 302 and 304 respectively, both unbeaten too, and scored in the Ranji trophy.

Run machine Cheteswhar Pujara has a high score of 352, Rohit Sharma once hit 309 not out, keeper Rishabh Pant got 308 and even spinner Ravindra Jadeja has 331 to his credit.

Unbelievably one batsmen who doesn’t have a frontline triple century is Virat Kohli, who has a top score of 243. But that was scored at Test level.

Cheteshwar Pujara celebrated a century at the MCG... and is no stranger to scoring runs. Picture: Getty

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Not sure what Cricket Australia officials would make of a cheeky text message sent by Melbourne Big Bash outfit the Renegades.

With administrators already scrambling to defend the dud MCG wicket, the BBL outfit poured on more scorn.

“Bored of the Test? Get behind the undefeated Gades this Saturday night,” was the message sent on the morning of day two at the MCG, with all the details you need to get tickets.

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Originally published as Mitchell Johnson off the long run: Aussie quick embraces running battle with Indian media