Mitchell Johnson takes a dig at Virat Kohli for not leaving straightaway after being caught

Former Australian pacer Mitchell Johnson came under the trolls’ stern notice when he took a dig at Indian captain Virat Kohli for not walking off straightaway after Peter Handscomb took a low catch of him at the slips on Day 3 of the second Test at Perth Stadium. The verdict went against Kohli after it was referred to the third umpire and he fell for 123 at a critical juncture with India trailing Australia’s first innings score of 326 by 75 runs.

The visitors were all out for 283, managing to add 111 runs to their overnight score of 172 for 3, conceding a crucial lead of 43 runs. Johnson was at it by even bringing in the dismissal of Josh Hazlewood in the first Test in Adelaide when the left-hand No.11 into comparison.

In a tweet, the former cricketer said Hazlewood did not stand his ground after KL Rahul took a low catch to claim his wicket in the first slip off Ravichandran Ashwin’s bowling. “One batsman walked the other didn’t, both out,” Johnson said.

One batsman walked the other didn’t, both out. Handscomb catch was soft out & went to third umpire given out, Rahul catch given out on field hazelwood walked no questions. Scoreboard says out for both so happy with both decisions. pic.twitter.com/DQr70kZ7uT

— Mitchell Johnson (@MitchJohnson398) December 16, 2018

The former Aussie bowler’s indirect jibe at the Indian captain did not impress the Indian fans, needless to say. While some recalled the tense relationship the two shared in the past on the 22 yards, others mocked the Australian overtaking a ‘fair stand’ for the Baggy Greens have not been known for playing the game the fair way always.

Doesn't get much closer than that! Kohli has to go… #CloseMatters #AUSvIND | @GilletteAU pic.twitter.com/v6luCLWez1

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 16, 2018

Aaron Finch retired hurt

Meanwhile, Australian opener Aaron Finch was retired hurt in the second innings as the hosts were adding to their lead of 43 towards the end of Day 3. The hosts were 33 for no loss with Marcus Harris batting on seven and Usman Khawaja yet to open his account. With more than two days yet to be played, Australia will be considering themselves to be favourites to corner India in this Test.

Kohli’s century, his 25th in Test, saw him equalising Sachin Tendulkar in terms of most Test tons in Australia and he was the second fastest to own 25 Test hundreds after Don Bradman.

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