Former Australian pacer Mitchell Johnson has slammed Team India for their tactics during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Johnson criticized India's attempts to intimidate Australia's debutants, claiming the strategy backfired as Australia won the Test series 3–1.
Mitchell Johnson pointed out that Team India tried to trouble the debutants to exploit their inexperience, but youngsters like Sam Konstas and Beau Webster stood their ground, showing remarkable composure and delivering outstanding performances under pressure in the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.
Mitchell Johnson criticizes Team India's failed attempts to destroy Australia's Sam Konstas and Beau Webster
The former pacer also observed that India's plan was not only to test the technical skills of newcomers like Sam Konstas and Beau Webster, but also to challenge their mental toughness, aiming to make them feel isolated and vulnerable on the big stage.
Johnson pointed out how the Indians focused on creating an intimidating atmosphere but their efforts ultimately fell short as Australia's young stars thrived in the high-stakes environment and emerged stronger and more resilient and they helped Australia recover BGT after more than 10 years.
Their efforts did not bear fruit: Mitchell Johnson
Mitchell Johnson wrote in his column for The Nightly: “The Indian side seemed to embrace the mentality of being 'two against 11' in the middle, with the aim of making the Australian batsmen feel isolated and under pressure. The focus was not only on testing technical skills, but also on challenging mental toughness. In Test cricket, it is essential to create that environment, but their efforts have not paid off.”
The 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Sydney saw tensions rise with Australia head coach Andrew McDonald accusing India of trying to intimidate Sam Konstas. Later, Indian coach Gautam Gambhir dismissed the claim, saying that Konstas had no reason to get involved in a discussion between Jasprit Bumrah and Usman Khawaja.
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Mitchell Johnson backs Sam Konstas to support Usman Khawaja against Jasprit Bumrah at the SCG
Mitchell Johnson, however, backed Konstas for standing up for teammate Usman Khawaja, but felt the situation could have been handled more calmly by both India and Australia in the New Year's Test at the SCG. The former fire pacer also feels that Australia's senior players should have guided the newcomers in handling such high-pressure scenarios.
Johnson also said: “I appreciate what Konstas tried to do in supporting his teammate, but it was just the wrong time for that kind of commitment. At that late stage of the day, there could only be one winner. This highlights a crucial aspect of introducing new players to the team: they need the guidance of experienced teammates to understand how to handle various scenarios in game dynamics.”
Notably, tensions flared when Sam Konstas exchanged words with Jasprit Bumrah during Australia's first innings in the final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). The Indian pacer was frustrated that Usman Khawaja would have delayed the game before the end of the session.
At the same time, Bumrah dismissed Khawaja and then he and his India teammates marched towards Konstas to vent their frustration. However, Bumrah was unable to play in the second innings after suffering a back spasm and India lost the SCG Test by six wickets against Australia.