On this day, February 16, 2014: Mitchell Johnson shines as South Africa lose by 281 runs against Australia. It was this day on 2014 after the terrific 2013 Ashes series, Johnson continued his fiery bowling but this time it was against South Africa. It was Australia who were batting first and Shaun Marsh delivered a masterclass as he scored a terrific century. He ended with 148 and Steve Smith also scored a century as Australia posted a massive score of 397 while batting first. No Australian batter apart from Smith or Marsh could get going as Steyn picked up four wickets. It was a good score for Australia.
In the second innings it was Mitch Johnson show as he picked up seven wickets to bowl out South Africa for just 206. AB de Villiers was the lone warrior scored 91. Australia took a huge lead as they were on top at the halfway stage of the match. In the third innings, Australia scored 290/4 before declaring the innings. David Warner scored a quick century and Alex Doolan played really well scoring 89. South Africa were set a huge target and they were behind the game.
Chasing the target, South Africa were bowled out for just 200 and it was once again the left arm pacer Mitch Johnson. While Ryan Harris and Siddle also picked up two wickets each. For South Africa, no batter could get going once again and it was just AB De Villiers who once again stood tall scoring 48 but it was not enough and it was a very comfortable win for Australia.
Mitch Johnson took 12 wickets in the match and was the player of the match for his incredible spell. In 2013 Ashes series, Johnson dismantled the entire England team with his fiery bowling and just an year after that it was the turn of South Africa. It was a memorable Test for him as he delivered a terrific performance to help Australia win the game.
