Brett Lee vs. Mitchell Johnson

[Dan]

Gavin Larsen.

 

[watson]

2007: 11 wickets at 26
2008: 63 wickets at 29
2009: 63 wickets at 27
2010: 40 wickets at 34
2011: 13 wickets at 57
2012: 12 wickets at 20
2013: 34 wickets at 18
2014: 47 wickets at 23
2015: 28 wickets at 35

In the 9 or so years that Mitchell Johnson has been playing Test cricket he has had 2 stella years, 4 good years, 2 mediocre ones, and a shocker.

Since he averages 25 in both Australia and South Africa, but 40 on the subcontinent, and 36 in England it seems reasonable to assume that he hasn't always done well on pitches that don't bounce much. Not surprising really.

Overall, I would say that Johnson has been a valuable spearhead to Australia's attack, and one of our all-time best. Although, he is still a long way off being comparable to the likes of Lindwall, Lillee, or McGrath.

 

[Furball]

Interestingly Lee also averages decently in Australia and South Africa and rubbish anywhere else.

This one's Johnson and it's not close. Lee was a spud.

 

[Furball]

Johnson wasn't picked for the 2013 Ashes because he wasn't considered even close to good enough. Had been sent home from India and nobody cared. People seem far more likely to overlook the 3 solid years of crap these days

Edit - that timespan includes the 2010/11 series where he took wickets but bowled complete filth 90% of the time and was the worst offender when England piled up 500+ in 3 test matches. Remove that series and his average for the period goes over 40

Lee was crap from 2001-08 though. Has Johnson more than covered on that front.

 

[smash84]

Michelle Johnson obv

 

[viriya]

Johnson, not even close (Tests only)

 

[GotSpin]

MJ easily in tests

 

[ImpatientLime]

lee plumbed the same depths without ever coming close to the same heights as mj.

 

[Lillian Thomson]

Was going to vote for Johnson until his wife blubbed during an interview on Test Match Special today. Can't vote for Lee either because he's a fool.