Mitchell Johnson can be next Kapil Dev, says Waugh

Australia pacer Mitchell Johnson’s skills with the bat has earned him appreciation from former batsman Mark Waugh, who feels the left-armer has the potential to emulate great all-rounder like India’s Kapil Dev and England’s Ian Botham.

Australia pacer Mitchell Johnson’s skills with the bat has earned him appreciation from former batsman Mark Waugh, who feels the left-armer has the potential to emulate great all-rounder like India’s Kapil Dev and England’s Ian Botham.

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“He has got the ability to bat at six and play a role like an Ian Botham or a Kapil Dev,” Waugh was quoted as saying by Sunday Telegraph.

After a successful summer at home, Johnson proved his worth in the ongoing first Test in Johannesburg, scoring an unbeaten 96 against South Africa, which had former players saying that Australia search an all-rounder is finally over.

The left-hander blasted two fours and three sixes in a Paul Harris over, scoring 26 off and then scalped 4 for 25 from 18.1 overs, including the precious wicket of Proteas captain Graeme Smith in his first over.