Zimbabwe find a star in Neil Johnson
AFP
28 November 1998
PESHAWAR, Pakistan, Nov 28 (AFP) - Neil Johnson has emerged from
nowhere as the much-needed star of Zimbabwe cricket, capping a series
of fine all-round displays with a sparkling century against Pakistan
in the first Test here Saturday.
He cracked 107 not out against some fiery pace bowling from Waqar
Younis and Wasim Akram and helped his team recover from 115-6 to
218-7.
A month ago Johnson was unknown in Zimbabwe cricket, having played
most of his cricket for Natal in South Africa and Leicestershire in
English first class cricket.
Just last month he returned to the country where he was born and took
the most difficult decision of his life.
``I never got any real opportunity to play for South Africa as I did
not play well there but when I got an offer to play for Zimbabwe I
grabbed it,'' Johnson said.
Johnson's parents had migrated to South Africa when he was 10.
Johnson took four wickets in his debut Test including the prized scalp
of Sachin Tendulkar to feature prominently in his team's 61-run win.
``That was fantastic and I can never forget my debut Test because
Zimbabwe achieved only their second win in Tests,'' he said.
Johnson hit 72 against Sri Lanka in the Sharjah one-day tournament and
followed it up with 74 against Pakistan at the Gujranwala one-day
match and 103 at Sheikhupura where Zimbabwe beat Pakistan.
His 107 in the Peshawar Test delighted his captain.
``It was a wonderful innings and he saved us with his exciting
batting,'' Campbell said.
Johnson added: ``I was nervous when I went to bat as it was a hat-trick
ball and seeing Waqar bowling was frightening. But I survived and am
delighted to hit a ton.''
``I had never thought to be on the same field as Wasim and Waqar or let
alone facing them because they are world renowned bowlers but I think
I did well against them,'' Johnson said.
The 28-year-old Harare-born Johnson vowed to help Zimbabwe establish
itself as a respectable Test nation.
``I am here to lift the team and am delighted that with my century I
have saved my team from total disaster,'' a beaming Johnson said.
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