South Africa star Dale Steyn admits Mitchell Johnson’s brutal annihilation of his side in the first Test was a source of motivation.
Johnson snared career-best figures in the opening clash of the three-Test series, making the most of a bouncy Centurion pitch to also hit the hosts’ helmets, hands and forearms.
Steyn, playing his first Test since fracturing a rib and suffering a bout of gastro, couldn’t have the same effect.
A few pundits viewed it as a passing of the ‘world’s best bowler’ mantle, something Steyn wouldn’t have enjoyed.
“I was nowhere near as effective as what Mitchell was,” Steyn said.
“The guy just tore us up. He showed how devastating a fast bowler in a purple patch really can be.
“It was definitely something to try and copy. But the (Port Elizabeth) wicket obviously didn’t offer us that.
“I want to lead the attack and I want to bowl 150kms an hour.
“But you just can’t do it sometimes. You push your body too hard and end up bowling a lot slower.”
Steyn had a relatively subdued start to the match, saying much of the Proteas’ dominance in their series-levelling victory should be credited to Morne Morkel for “basically taking people’s heads off” in the first innings.
But it was Steyn who finished Australia off in scintillating fashion, taking 3-4 in 15 balls in a brilliant exhibition of reverse swing.
He was sheepish about the vein-popping celebration that followed the wickets of Michael Clarke, Steve Smith and Brad Haddin.
“It’s a little bit embarrassing when I watch it on the news,” Steyn said.
But the 30-year-old, who has previously spoken of the joys of being given a licence to “basically kill someone”, said it was part of the state of mind that made him the bowler he is.
“If I was running in and thinking of cuddly bears and stuff like that, I would be dishing out half-volleys and hamburgers for guys to smash,” Steyn said.
“So I’ve got to kind of get myself into a fight.
“Not necessarily go down and abuse the batsman at the other end, but I’ve got to get my body ready for a fight.”
There’s no doubt that will be the case come Saturday when the series decider starts in Cape Town.
“We are 1-1 and we are here to fight it all out,” he said.
“It’s pretty crazy and it’s exciting at the same time.”
anfalicious
Guest
I bet you want to kill sharks for eating surfers too, or do you just have many internal inconsistencies?
Ruminate
Roar Guru
Hmmm, don't think so.... Johnson's Ashes batting average 27.5 and career av of 22.4,current series 22.0 Steyn career of 14.2 average 30 against India, current series 14
Ruminate
Roar Guru
Troll...
Broken-hearted Toy
Guest
Even Dale's mum wouldn't say he's as good a bat as Johnson.
Wasim Ranamadroota
Roar Pro
Just just another 257 hit wonder!!
Passionate_Aussie
Roar Rookie
Do you dislike contact sports Kathleen?
Passionate_Aussie
Roar Rookie
Not taking anything away from Steyn, but I wouldn't scoff at 257 wickets for,MJ.
felix
Guest
Johnson's batting has gone down a lot from what he used to be,he's more tail ender these days. You could compare Dale's batting to Michelle's batting,I feel like Steyn's batting is on the rise whilst Johnson is on the decline ;-),Go Dale get a fifty haha :-)
Wayno
Guest
Maybe you should approach the icc Kathleen. You could demand a rule change such as, any delivery in excess of 120kph has to be a juicy half volley or it shall be deemed a no-ball. You could even form a posse of likeminded cricket fans .. Good luck to all 3 of you in your quest.
Vic
Guest
Steyn has dominated for 5 years, Johnson for three months - hmm
AlanKC
Guest
"But the 30-year-old, who has previously spoken of the joys of being given a licence to “basically kill someone”, said it was part of the state of mind that made him the bowler he is." - That'd be Steyn being quoted there.
Pom in Oz
Roar Guru
Whilst my initial comment is strangely awaiting moderation from the editors, I wish to make it clear that I find your comment to be incredibly naïve...
Rob JM
Guest
I suggest you don't watch mixed marshall arts if you don't understand the concept of "BATTLE" that us primitive half of the species so enjoy watching.
Blaze
Guest
There's always one.....
kathleen lopes
Guest
Will Mitchell Johnson be brought up for murder after deliberately trying to knock out a batsman by hitting him in the head. I hope so as it will be premeditated.
Larney
Guest
Steyn's words!!! One hit wonders don't dominate for three months. In the past he has been hit and miss but now has it together.
australianboy
Guest
Steyn is a class....Johnson is one time wonder...don't compare them