Lethal Johnson can 'reopen' English scars says Glenn McGrath

Lethal Johnson can ‘reopen’ English scars says Glenn McGrath: Glenn McGrath believes Mitchell Johnson “has to play” the first Test of the Investec Ashes series and that he can “reopen the scars” he inflicted in England during the last series in Australia.

In the 2013 Ashes series Johnson decimated the bamboozled England side ending up with 37 wickets at an average of 13. His place in the team for the first Test in Cardiff remains an unanswered question. But, as far as McGrath is concerned, Johnson is a “lethal” bowler and “can’t be left out”.
McGrath said, “The way he finished that last series in Australia was incredible,” “He was player of the series without a doubt.

“There will be a lot of scars from that and if Johnson can get off to a good start here it will just reopen those scars. He will just power through.

“The first Test is a big game. If Johnson can have a good game and intimidate he is going to be lethal.

McGrath added, “They can’t leave him out. Just because of the way he dominated in the last series and the way he bowled with good heat against Kent. If he starts the series well he won’t stop.

The Australian fast bowling legend spoke highly of Johnson’s bowling skills adding that, “He hits the seam and if he hits the seam he is going to be very effective. When he came here last time his arm was lower and he wasn’t hitting it so much.

He believes that test cricket is more mental than physical and if Johnson finds his groove then that will boost the team’s morale.

“If he does well it will have a big effect on the rest of the team. It will really lift everyone. Test cricket is a psychological game and if you start well you go from strength to strength.” McGrath said.