Johnson eyes mentor Lillee�s record
AFP
AFP, NOTTINGHAM (UK): Mitchell Johnson has set his sights on equalling the record of mentor Dennis Lillee after becoming just the fifth Australian to take 300 Test wickets last week.
Shane Warnes Australia record 708 Test wickets and Glenn McGraths next-best 563 are set to prove far beyond the reach of the 33-year-old left-arm quick.
But the Test tallies of fellow Australia fast bowlers Brett Lee (310) and Lillee (355) are within range for Johnson.
Last week, Australia lost the third Test at Edgbaston by eight wickets as England took a 2-1 lead in the five-match Ashes series.
One consolation for Johnson was the manner in which he got to 300 Test wickets, a rip-snorting bouncer which Englands Jonny Bairstow gloved to wicket-keeper Peter Nevill.
Two balls later, a similar delivery saw Ben Stokes caught behind for a duck as Johnson produced one of the most thrilling spells of bowling in the entire series so far.
It was a very special occasion, Johnson said Tuesday of the delivery that did for Bairstow.
And the way I did it. I guess thats sort of a trademark for me now, to bowl that short ball and get it ripping off the gloves, he also told reporters at Trent Bridge, where the fourth Test starts on Thursday.
The next target for me is trying to chase down Brett Lee. Thatd be really nice, hes a hero of mine, Johnson added.
I once said I wanted to bowl as fast as Brett Lee when I first came in on the scene.
But it was Lillee who first alerted Australias hierarchy to Johnsons talent, having coming across the then teenage paceman in his role as a fast-bowling coach.
Lillee has remained a source of support and Johnson said: It would be nice to reach DK Lillee. Thatd be pretty special.
You never know, if I get that opportunity to reach him and could end it there as well. It would be a nice little finish as well. Its probably something I dont normally think about.
