Mitchell Johnson urges Australia to fight for third Test
Friday 31 July 2015 08:42, UK
Mitchell Johnson challenged Australia to "get out and fight" despite their perilous position in the third Investec Ashes Test.
Only David Warner's 77 and a backs-to-the-wall unbeaten 37 from Peter Nevill spared the Aussies defeat before the end of a second day that saw 14 wickets fall.
The first of them went to Johnson, who reached 300 Test wickets with a vicious bouncer to get rid of Jonny Bairstow.
And the left-armer was still in aggressive mood when he spoke to Sky Sports at stumps, saying: "It's not ideal, not something we're happy about, but we need to get out there and fight in the morning.
"We're 23 runs ahead and we need a big partnership. We need Mitchell Starc and Peter Nevill to put on a 100 partnership and get the ball rolling.
"England might be one bowler down as well (James Anderson left the field with a side injury), but we've got to stop this rot. It's not looking good at the moment, but we've got to keep confident.
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"We played some shots we didn't need to. The guys will be disappointed and want to rectify that, but at the moment we need this tail to wag.
"At one stage it looked like we'd get bowled out without making them bat a second time. If we get 120-30 we've got to have a really hard crack. There's still enough in the wicket, especially with the new ball. We'll have to come out and try to bowl our best."
The day had started well for Australia and Johnson, who followed up the landmark wicket of Bairstow by removing Ben Stokes two balls later.
Only four of his compatriots - including his mentor Dennis Lillee - had previously taken 300 Test scalps, and Johnson said: "I'm very proud. You always want to win a Test, but when you get these kinds of accolades it's very special.
"To be up there with some of the Australian greats is something I'll be able to sit back and reflect on when I'm finished. Dennis has been a huge help throughout my career. He's a great mentor and a great man."
Coverage of the third Ashes Test from Edgbaston continues on Sky Sports Ashes HD. You can also watch the third Test with a NOW TV Sports Day Pass. Plus, our Ashes Events Centre - the best of Sky Cricket's analysis at your fingertips - is available on our iPad app.
