'Efforts to isolate Aussies didn’t pay off': Mitchell Johnson mocks India after BGT

The former Australian pacer Mitchell Johnson has lashed out at Team India for their tactics during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Johnson criticized India's attempts to intimidate Australia’s debutants, claiming the strategy backfired as Australia clinched the Test series 3-1.

Mitchell Johnson pointed out that Team India tried to unsettle the debutants to exploit their inexperience, but the young guns like Sam Konstas and Beau Webster stood tall, showcasing remarkable composure and delivering standout performances under pressure in the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

Mitchell Johnson slams Team India’s failed attempts to break Australia’s Sam Konstas and Beau Webster

The former pacer has also noted that India’s plan wasn’t just about testing the technical abilities of the newcomers like Sam Konstas and Beau Webster but also challenging their mental toughness, aiming to make them feel isolated and vulnerable on the big stage.

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Johnson highlighted how the Indians focused on creating an intimidating atmosphere, but their efforts ultimately fell flat as Australia’s young stars thrived in the high-stakes environment and emerged stronger and more resilient and helped Australia to reclaim BGT after more than 10 years.

Their efforts didn't really pay off: Mitchell Johnson

Mitchell Johnson wrote in his column for The Nightly: “The Indian side appeared to embrace the mindset that it was 'two against 11' out in the middle, aiming to make the Aussie batters feel isolated and under pressure. The focus was not just on testing technical skills but also on challenging mental toughness. In Test cricket, it's crucial to create that environment, but their efforts didn't really pay off.”

The Sydney Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 saw tensions rise, with Australia head coach Andrew McDonald accusing India of trying to intimidate Sam Konstas. Later, Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir dismissed the claim, saying 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

However, Mitchell Johnson supported Konstas for defending his 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 fiery pacer also feels senior Australia players should have guided newcomers in handling such high-pressure scenarios.

Johnson further noted, “I appreciate what Konstas was trying to do by supporting his teammate, but it was simply the wrong time for that kind of engagement. 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 within the game's 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 over Usman Khawaja allegedly delaying play before the close of the session.

In the same over, Bumrah dismissed Khawaja, and then he and his India teammates marched towards Konstas to express their frustration. However, Bumrah could not bowl in the second innings after suffering a back spasm and India lost the SCG Test by six wickets against Australia.