“I just don’t think it’s Test cricket”

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Former Australia left-arm seamer Mitchell Johnson voiced his displeasure after it was confirmed that the second Test in the Ashes series next year would be a day-night affair.

The match, which will be held at the Adelaide Oval, will go down in the history books as the first-ever day-night Ashes Test.

Day-night Test matches have been a massive success since it was introduced in November last year as there has been a spike in attendance and TV ratings, but despite this, Johnson still isn’t convinced by the concept.

“I’m not really happy about it. I just don’t think it’s Test cricket,” he said. “It’s a totally different game altogether. They change the wickets.

“Adelaide Oval in Test match cricket never has grass on it. But the two day- night Test matches that have been played there, there’s been lots of grass on it. As a bowler, I should be happy about it. Because it definitely brings bowlers into it.

“But to me, it’s a change of a game. And I think it changes stats as well. So I just don’t like it.”

Moving away from the subject, it has been over a year since Johnson retired from international cricket, but he insisted that he has no regrets about his decision to walk away from the game.

“I wanted to finish playing Test match cricket,” he said.

Johnson has signed a one-year contract to represent the Perth Scorchers in the upcoming edition of the Big Bash League (BBL). When asked if he would continue featuring in the tournament, the 35-year-old admitted that it is a possibility.

“It depends how I go. If I get smacked around and I pull up really sore and I’m not enjoying it, then I won’t play,” he said. “But if I enjoy it, you never know, it could be an option in the next couple of years.”