Ricky Ponting recalls facing Mitchell Johnson in the nets; calls it “horrible”

Mitchell Johnson, who terrorised the batsmen world over with his brutal pace, did not spare his own countrymen as well.

Mitchell Johnson, who terrorised the batsmen world over with his brutal pace, did not spare his own countrymen as well. Former Australian captain and batting-great Ricky Ponting revealed the same while paying his tribute on the occasion of Johnson’s retirement from international cricket. Ponting’s insight into the left-armer’s career suggests just how lethal and unforgiving Johnson was. Also Read: Mitchell Johnson retires as 9th ranked bowler in Tests and 7th in ODIs.

“Having Mitchell Johnson in your side was a blessing and a curse,” Ponting told news.com.au. “I have the scars to prove that last bit. Facing Mitch in the nets was horrible. He didn’t need to be told. He is so competitive he would never think to do anything but bowl at full pace. And never hesitate to bounce you,” added Ponting. Also Read: Mitchell Johnson retires; Sourav Ganguly, Brian Lara and others mull over retirement from Cricket All-Stars.

The legend — who recently showcased how skilful he still is with the willow during the All-Stars Twenty20 — also claimed that Johnson could cause just as much damage to his teammates in the field — having himself being at the receiving end once while standing in the slips when a Johnson missile took an outside edge and the seam of the ball that came to him like a flying saucer injured his hand, requiring him to undergo a surgery and miss out on one Test match. “It’s my Mitchell Johnson souvenir but I am not alone in having one,” said Ponting. Also Read: Jonathan Trott, Graeme Smith eye international comeback as Mitchell Johnson retires; Virat Kohli upset.