Ashes 2015: Mitchell Johnson says Lord's is more to Australia's liking
Friday 17 July 2015 21:39, UK
Paceman Mitchell Johnson says Australia have done well to bounce back from defeat at Cardiff and take charge of the second Investec Ashes Test at Lord’s.
The Aussies are 1-0 down in the series after a heavy loss in the opener but they have looked far more impressive this week, making 566-8 declared and then reducing England to 30-4, although the hosts recovered to reach 85-4 at the close of day two.
Asked how he saw Australia’s position, Johnson said: “It's a nice picture to have on day two.
"The boys have done really well. We came here, won the toss, and were able to put the runs on the board and put England under pressure straightaway.
“The batters set us up and the bowlers have given it our all this afternoon. We had a few overs at the English and the guys stuck really well to the plans.
“We've started this Test really well after the disappointment in Cardiff, but we knew when we got here we would have more of a chance, with a wicket that would probably have more bounce.
"It's marginal but it still feels a bit nicer and that slope has come into play for sure.
"It gives me something else if the ball's not swinging. It didn't swing towards the end of the day, so you've got to use those conditions out there."
Johnson himself led the way for Australia, bowling Gary Ballance with a quick full-length delivery and then removing England’s first Test hero Joe Root.
"The plan was to go pretty hard at Root,” said Johnson. “Be more aggressive, don't let him settle.
"In English conditions, we talk about bowling fuller than we would back home. We know Ballance is deep in the crease but it's nice when a plan comes off like that."
Regarding England's likely approach now they are up against it, Johnson added: "We were hoping they would come out and play the aggressive brand they've been talking about. We hope they come out in the morning and do the same thing.
"I guess (Ben) Stokes is a very aggressive player anyway, so we'd like to see him play some shots and hopefully get a couple of quick wickets in the morning.
"I can't decide for them if they want to play aggressive cricket or if they want to go the other way."
Steve Smith was the batting star for the tourists with a superb 215, becoming the first Australian to score a double century at Lord’s since Bill Brown in 1938.
The in-form right-hander is behind just AB de Villiers of South Africa in the ICC Test rankings, having topped them until he had a relatively quiet first Test, and Johnson is delighted that he is enjoying such great success.
"I've seen him (Smith) since he first started," said Johnson.
"He doesn't walk around like he's the number one or two in the world, he just works hard. I'm really proud of what he did."
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