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Richard Johnson claimed match figures of 9-93 as England completed a series victory against Bangladesh in Chittagong. His performance followed up the six wicket haul on his test debut against Zimbabwe in May, and marks him down as one of the hottest new fast bowlers on the world scene.
Coach Duncan Fletcher was effusive in his praise of the swarthy Somerset paceman: "Richard is an extraodinary talent. he comes into the side in difficult circumstances when six or so quick bowlers are unavailable, and he does a job. People will say that Bangladesh and Zimbabwe are shit, but there are no easy games in world cricket and it's a difficult place to come."
The West Country wildman appears to have a bright future. "He reminds me of me when I was in my prime, only with less hair," said former Aussie great Dennis Lillee with a mischievous wink. "Richard Johnson is a terrific prospect," added legendary Sky commentator Michael Holding almost unintelligibly due to a dislocated tongue pressuring his right cheek. "He would've slotted into the great West Indies side of the mid 80s just fine."
Johnson, who celebrated Hallowe'en by running in to bowl in Bangladesh's second innings wearing a Wes Craven's Scream mask and cape, was modest. "I was just here to do a job - not exactly make up the numbers, that's Gilo's job, but to fill Harmy's shoes."
"Johnson was terrifying," claimed Bangladesh batsman Habibul Bashar. "He was all flailing arms and legs and that mask freaked me, like." And it wasn't just Johnson's run up that inspired terror. "His sledging was a bit heavy too," says Habibul. "Just as he completed his follow through he'd, like, eyeball me and sneer menacingly 'what's your favourite mode of dismissal?'"
"The Bradford match clashed with Miss Marple. What chance did we have?" - Charles Kohler on Wimbledon's latest attendance embarrassment, P.36
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