Mitchell Johnson a nightmare during net practice: Ricky Ponting

Ricky Ponting added that it was because of Mitchell Johnson that he had to miss out on the Sydney Test of the 2010-11 Ashes.

Melbourne: Paying tribute to former Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson, former skipper Ricky Ponting has revealed that it was a horrible experience to face the recently retired pacer in the nets. News.com.au quoted Ponting as saying that Johnson was a blessing as well as curse for his side. Lavishing praise on Johnson, Ponting said that the former pacer used to be extremely competitive as his only aim was just to bowl at full pace. The 40-year-old said that it was because of Johnson that he had to miss his Sydney match during the 2010-11 Ashes as the pacer had smashed his finger. READ: Mitchell Johnson retires as one of Australia’s greatest tearaways

Former Australian player Ian Chappell said that Johnson would be remembered for his devastating spells of bowling that changed games quickly. Johnson retired from the game after claiming two wickets for his side in the second Test against New Zealand at the WACA in Perth, that ended in a draw. READ: Mitchell Johnson’s final Test ends in draw; Australia still lead series 1-0

Johnson’s decision to call time on his career came soon after similar moves by fellow Australians Michael Clarke, Brad Haddin, Chris Rogers and Ryan Harris following the conclusion of the Ashes 2015.

Johnson replaced Brett Lee as Australia’s fourth highest wicket taker when he dismissed Doug Bracewell in the Perth Test. Dennis Lillee (355), Glenn McGrath (563) and Shane Warne (708) are the only bowlers to have taken more wickets for the five-time world champions in Tests. He was at his fiery best during the 2008-09 Test series against South Africa, in which he recorded his career-best figures of 8 for 61, as well as the 2013/14 Ashes, in which he topped the bowling charts with 37 scalps at an average of 13.97.