Latest news with #MitchellJohnson
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First Post
2 days ago
- Sport
- First Post
'Stop hoarding the privilege and start sharing the responsibility': Mitchell Johnson slams Cricket Australia CEO
Former Australian pacer Mitchell Johnson strongly criticized Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg for advocating that Test cricket should be exclusive to a select few nations. Former Australian pacer Mitchell Johnson has slammed Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg's suggestion to limit Test cricket to fewer nations. As per Greenberg, only top teams should compete in the longest format of the game, as it will ensure financial viability as well as high-quality contests. 'I don't think everyone in world cricket needs to aspire to play Test cricket, and that might be OK…literally we're trying to send countries bankrupt if we force them to try to play Test cricket'. Quoted by The West Australian. He pointed to the Ashes as an example of how meaningful rivalries between elite nations remain profitable. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Johnson does not see eye to eye with CA CEO Johnson firmly opposed the idea, arguing in his West Australian column that reducing opportunities for developing nations would harm the essence of the game. He emphasised that true leadership involves uplifting others, not eliminating them. 'The solution isn't to scale Test cricket down to three or four rich countries,' Johnson wrote. 'It's to help the rest grow. Players want it, fans want it — so why are we making it so hard? What these nations lack isn't passion, it's support. And if the ICC and the so-called big three want to protect the future, they need to stop hoarding the privilege and start sharing the responsibility.' More from First Cricket 'We're going to...': Alyssa Healy warns of spin challenge ahead of Women's World Cup 2025 Johnson also stressed the notion that there are factors beyond the broadcasting revenue that should be considered as well. He supported his stance by presenting the example of Sri Lanka vs Pakistan, a series that may not break viewership records but means a lot for the players and fans, something which should be protected at all cost. 'A Sri Lanka v Pakistan series might not break streaming records, but to the players and fans it means everything. You don't protect that by cutting it off. You protect it by investing in it.' Johnson further stated that when money can be poured into different T20 leagues, the similar reservation can be made for Test cricket. He said that money should be diverted towards the right direction. 'The money is there — it's just being pointed the wrong way,' Johnson wrote.


India Today
2 days ago
- Business
- India Today
Stop hoarding privilege: Johnson slams Cricket Australia CEO's take on lesser Tests
Former Australian pacer Mitchell Johnson has criticised Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg's remarks suggesting that the future of Test cricket lies in reducing the number of nations competing in the format. Greenberg recently argued that Test matches should be limited to the top teams to maintain financial stability and ensure 'quality' claimed that forcing smaller boards to play the five-day format could drive them towards bankruptcy, suggesting that 'scarcity in Test cricket is our friend, not our foe.' He pointed to the Ashes as an example of how meaningful rivalries between elite nations remain however, strongly disagreed, stating that cutting back opportunities for developing nations would damage the very fabric of the game. Writing in his column for the West Australian, he argued that leadership lies in lifting others up rather than shutting them out. 'The solution isn't to scale Test cricket down to three or four rich countries,' Johnson wrote. 'It's to help the rest grow. Players want it, fans want it — so why are we making it so hard? What these nations lack isn't passion, it's support. And if the ICC and the so-called big three want to protect the future, they need to stop hoarding the privilege and start sharing the responsibility.'He stressed that the meaning of Test cricket is not determined by broadcasting revenue but by national pride. 'A Sri Lanka v Pakistan series might not break streaming records, but to the players and fans it means everything. You don't protect that by cutting it off. You protect it by investing in it.'Johnson also highlighted the irony of Test cricket being labelled 'too expensive,' while money continues to pour into new T20 leagues worldwide. He pointed out that South Africa, the reigning World Test champions, do not have a single home Test scheduled this summer, calling it a sign of misplaced priorities.'The money is there — it's just being pointed the wrong way,' Johnson wrote. He suggested that a share of revenue from major Test series should be reinvested into grassroots cricket, coaching and infrastructure across call was clear: Test cricket's future will not be saved by restricting it to a few. Instead, it requires shared responsibility, fair investment and a commitment to ensuring that all cricketing nations have the opportunity to play the format that remains the ultimate test of skill and character.- EndsMust Watch


Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
'If we leave Tests to wealthy, it dies a slow death': Former Australia pacer Mitchell Johnson
Mitchell Johnson (Photo by) Former Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson has criticised Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg's recent statements about Test cricket's future. Johnson disagrees with Greenberg's view that not all countries need to aspire to play Test cricket or bear its financial losses. Test cricket, the traditional five-day format of the sport, faces challenges due to its high costs. With declining attendance and shorter attention spans, cricket boards with limited resources are struggling to maintain the format. A proposed solution, supported by Johnson, suggests dividing Test cricket into two tiers. The top tier would include wealthy nations like India, England, and Australia, while other countries would compete in the second tier. This system would include promotion and relegation between tiers. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! "Here's the thing — if that's the fear, then we've already missed the point. The solution to saving Test cricket isn't to scale it down to three or four rich countries. It's to lift the rest up. Help them. Grow the game. Back them," Johnson wrote in his column for The West Australian . "This is where real leadership starts — not by pulling up the ladder, but by building a stronger base. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Back Pain Treatments That Might Surprise You! Back Pain Treatment | Search Ads Undo Because let's be clear: these nations want to play Test cricket. The players want it. The fans want it. So why are we making it so hard? I've been to countries where cricket isn't backed by billion-dollar TV deals — but the passion is still there." Johnson suggests that instead of financial support alone, the Big Three nations should provide guidance and physical presence to smaller cricket boards. This assistance would help develop the game from grassroots level and engage audiences effectively. "Because here's the reality: if we only leave Test cricket to the wealthy, it dies a slow death. Fans see through that. Players lose hope. And one by one, countries quietly drift towards the formats that pay quicker and hurt less. West Indies cricket has been an example of this. But Test cricket is supposed to hurt. It's supposed to demand more. That's the beauty of it. You don't earn a baggy green or a Test cap because you've bowled four overs, including a couple in the powerplay. " "You earn it over years — through bruises, setbacks, second-innings spells in 40C heat when your body says no and your heart says yes. And that feeling isn't exclusive to Australia or India or England. It lives in the soul of every young cricketer from all parts of the world. The only difference is opportunity." Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!


News18
05-07-2025
- Sport
- News18
Aussie Legend Wants Wholesale Changes Before Ashes: 'Not Equipped For Any...'
Mitchell Johnson wants wholesale changes in Australia's batting order before the 2025-26 Ashes. Australian legend Mitchell Johnson has called for wholesale changes in the national team's batting order in the lead-up to the 2025-26 Ashes. He feels that the current group of openers, Usman Khawaja and Sam Konstas, plus number three options, Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green, are not good enough. Johnson joins several other pundits expressing concerns about these four. Labuschagne has already been dropped from the team after being tried at the top of the order in the World Test Championship final. Konstas scored 3, 5 and 0 in the first three innings against the West Indies, Khawaja has managed 47, 15 and 2, whereas Green (he took number three during the WTC final) has 3, 15, while batting at 6 on Day 2 Stumps. Writing in his column for the West Australian, Johnson started with a note of caution, saying that England's preparations were going well to overturn history and win their first Ashes in Australia since 2009-10. 'It's hard for any team to come here and beat Australia in their own conditions but starting your innings can be hard for all batsmen on some of the paciest and bounciest pitches in the world," Johnson wrote. 'And the Australian top order has not been showing they are equipped for any conditions. Teenage opener Sam Konstas, who has scored 3, 5, 25 and 0 since being recalled for the West Indies series, has been unsure of anything outside the off-stump line. The same with new No.3 Cam Green actually," he added. The former fast bowler feels that the Kangaroos would be better-equipped relying on the Sheffield Shield season and picking batters who are in form in November in home conditions. 'So I'll force myself to answer the original question, would I change the top four before an Ashes series? Yes, I don't see why you couldn't make changes if the players they pick have experience at shield level and a good understanding of their game. In fact, I would have started making more changes over the past few years, bringing in players who were performing to reward form and help smooth out the big looming generational change," he added. 'For now, though, openers Konstas and Usman Khawaja need a significant partnership in the third Test if they are to continue their alliance. Even if Green does make some runs at three, I still feel it isn't the best position for him," Johnson concluded. About the Author Cricketnext Staff First Published: July 05, 2025, 15:51 IST


CBS News
03-07-2025
- CBS News
Man out on bond accused of shooting at police officers facing new charges for allegedly hitting officer with vehicle in Braddock
A man facing previous charges for allegedly shooting at police officers in January was arrested Wednesday and is accused of hitting a police officer with his vehicle in Braddock. The Allegheny County Sheriff's Office says Mitchell Johnson, 20, of Braddock, was arrested following the incident that took place at the intersection of Braddock Avenue and 13th Street on Wednesday. The Sheriff's Office says it all started when officers from the Munhall Police Department were looking for a car that was reported stolen and was spotted in Braddock. When officers stopped the car, the driver, who police identified as Johnson, took off, hitting Munhall Police Assistant Chief Jamie Caterino in the process, the Sheriff's Office says. The Sheriff's Office says a police chase ensued before Johnson crashed the car into a fence and two garages and took off on foot. After Johnson left the area, officers from numerous departments and the sheriff's office surrounded Johnson's home and took him into custody when he showed up there around 5 p.m. on Wednesday, the Sheriff's Office says. The Sheriff's Office says that after being taken into custody, Johnson apologized to Caterino, who injured his arm and was treated at the scene for his injuries along with another officer who was injured. "In this type of situation, a vehicle is just as dangerous and deadly a weapon as a firearm," said Allegheny County Sheriff Kevin Kraus. "I'm relieved that the injuries to Assistant Chief Caterino and the Eastern Regional officer were minor, and I commend the quick thinking by our detectives to be at Johnson's house when he arrived, enabling them to take this dangerous person off the street." Johnson is facing a number of new charges including aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, and resisting arrest. The new charges come on top of attempted homicide charges he was already facing from an incident in January where he is accused of exchanging gunfire with police officers in Homestead following an alleged shoplifting incident. Johnson was out on bond from those charges and is set to go to trial in the fall.