Mitchell Johnson sledges Virat Kohli on Twitter

Former Aussie quick bowler Mitchell Johnson had some choicest words for the Indian Test captain Virat Kohli ahead of the India-Australia knockout clash at the IS Bindra Punjab Cricket Association on Sunday.

Kohli was addressing the press ahead of the match and said that he thrives in the conditions where the opposition teams try to throw him off his game using mind games or sledging, especially against Australia, which motivates him even more.

Johnson who retired from the game last year, replied to Virat Kohli’s statement, citing the example of the semi-final match between India and Australia in the ICC World Cup 2015. “Love it!! Went missing in WC semi last yr when it really counts,” Johnson tweeted.

Love it!! Went missing in WC semi last yr when it really counts ?? https://t.co/ZwxkjCMEPB

— Mitchell Johnson (@MitchJohnson398) March 26, 2016

India was chasing a big total in 329 after Steven Smith’s century had taken Australia to 328/7. But India got off to a bad start losing their openers and Virat Kohli early. Kohli made just one run, before top-edging a Mitchell Johnson short ball to keeper Brad Haddin.

But unlike Johnson, his teammate Shane Watson was all praises for Kohli though. He said, “The silent treatment, we thought might work but he still just goes about his business and is able to churn out the runs. And we’ve also gone fairly hard at him as well, at times. I’ve only ever seen it effect for him about two balls, once (at the MCG in 2014), and I dropped him at slip.”

Mitchell Johnson has been on the heels of Indian batsmen since the start of this year. He had earlier commented on India opener Rohit Sharma. Commenting on Sharma’s inability to tackle in swing bowling from left-hand fast bowlers, Johnson said, “ball coming in, not the first time it happened.”

How is the India v Australia match expected to play? – Ind v Aus World T20 Preview: India eyeing semifinal spot